A positive, free-spirited, and philosophical woman, Shana Parmeshwar has led an adventurous and bold life. A professional race car driver, pilot, DJ, interior designer, and whatnot! She has left her imprints all over with her unconventional career options.
With her fearless and unconventional life, she has been breaking taboos and has been an inspiration for women all over the world. In a recent interview, this is what Shana has to say to the questions we asked her about racing and all about herself and her exciting new project.
When did your internal switch flip from racing for fun to racing for a career? And what motivated this?
Shana says, “I used to drive cars from the age of 4 and as I grew older, I understood more about the world of racing and how it works. I decided not to race only for fun but actually make it an integral part of my career and eventually make a difference in the world of motorsport.”
Her interests in the same were magnified when she moved to Malaysia and started visiting racetracks. While most people call her racing career a profession and job, her viewpoints on the same are, “This is a job that I don’t need to work a day in my life and I’m saying this because I enjoy what I do so much that it doesn’t feel like a job.”
Why do you think that not many women are a part of professional racing? And have you ever experienced any male domination in your career?
“In my opinion women have not stepped into professional racing because there is a cultural setback as this is a male-dominated sport. Motor racing isn’t an option given to most women to explore and hence they are not exposed to it at all as they grow up and that is one of the biggest constraints for women. It is taboo in some cultures to not allow women to even drive a car let alone racing cars. Women are expected to usually lean towards more traditional roles and professional choices.”
She also adds, “Yes, I have faced male domination in my racing journey, and it is usually rubbed off as intimidation rather than domination. I feel if a woman is interested in driving and has it in her to race cars then give it a shot and don’t be afraid. There are many options for women today to enter into the world of motorsport. In the end, it is all about taking that risk!”
Women’s empowerment and gender equality are some of the passions that Shana has. Her social media posts are proof of that and are always inspiring and influencing other women.
You have been involved in multiple activities like being a pilot, host of a TV show, DJing, and many more! What is it that excites you the most and why? And what made you get into all these fields other than racing?
She says, “The one that excites me the most is to host factual shows. I do have other plans when we talk about hosting TV shows that I cannot disclose any further. The reason I wanted to explore different fields other than racing was to push my creativity and understand my limitations. Aviation was a great start which made me learn a lot about discipline and a skillset that helped me connect and understand people better. Music has always been the centre of my life. When I started in a high school rock band as a drummer, I never thought that I would be a DJ at some point but that just showed me that if you follow your passion there is no straight path but, in the end, you get to the destination you were created for.”
You are currently involved in a project of building a racetrack in Andhra Pradesh. How is it going?
With excitement, Shana answers, “Well, you said it yourself! Need I say more?! All I can truly say is that we will have our own ‘Las Vegas’ without the costs but with the same ‘whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’ punch line. This might make you wonder if we might have a casino coming up too, beating all odds. This is a 5.5Km track that will be longer than the F1-Spec BIC that aims to host international racing championships like F2 and the venue will also host off-road track, trackside accommodation, and lots more. It’s a two-hour drive away from the Bengaluru International Airport and we can’t wait to have you over for when it’s ready.”
We are all well aware that Covid has brought a stop to our lives while somehow the same has happened with the project. Slowed down construction, logistical issues, massive reduction in the labour force, and reduced service backup for machinery and infrastructure are just some of the many issues that Shana’s dream project has suffered. Yet, the young spirit has remained positive and enthusiastic and awaits the completion of the huge track.
If I am not wrong, a lot of people in India are fascinated by living cultures abroad and someday look forward to settling there. What do you like the most about India and what keeps you deeply rooted here?
“I think more than being fascinated with the cultures abroad, a majority of Indians, in my opinion, are quite frustrated with the Indian system and limitations and thus the desire to one day live the life they want to with the technology and infrastructure that comes with living abroad. I wouldn’t say deep-rooted, but I certainly do enjoy a few things about India such as the diverse culture and how down to earth the people are.”
Anything that you would like to share? And any word of advice or just some inspiring words that you would like to say to the audience?
Shana’s inspiring words are, “Live life without regretting any decision, good or bad. Take that chance regardless of the consequences. The bold ones are the trailblazers. Do not let society’s limitations limit your ability to grow and become the person you aim to become. The only guarantee all of us have in life is death and we never know when that’s going to come so don’t hold hatred in your heart, be forgiving and live life to its fullest.”
A truly multifaceted personality’s genuine and encouraging words have us all tied to our seats! This woman has done so much in her life for all of us to look forward to and she deserves all the appreciation that we can give her!