Paraplegic biker Deepa Mallik, who owes the fulfilment of her dream to the liquor baron, hopes he'll now take Indian drivers for Force India
Paraplegic biker Deepa Mallik, who owes the fulfilment of her dream to the liquor baron, hopes he'll now take Indian drivers for Force India
Deepa Mallik breaks into an adoring smile when she talks about Vijay Mallya. Just shy of hero worship, she says, "Many people accuse him of being just about glamour, but he has put India on the international map in F1.
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I was so proud to see the Tricolour on the F-I podium after Force India's recent finish. I really appreciate what this man has done."
For India, that was Giancarlo Fisichella's second position in the Belgian Grand Prix, for Mallik a paraplegic since 1999 after she was afflicted with Arachnoid's Cyst in the spinal cord, it's because Mallya made her dream come true.
After MiD DAY's story on her desire to be a biker, Mallya gifted her a special quad bike.
Mallik went on to ride in several biking events just like she had always dreamt of doing.
Now, she religiously follows Mallya's Force India and Fisichella's decision to quit it upset her. But always one to look for solutions, Mallik says, "We should look for Indian drivers for Force India.
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There is a big talent pool of Indians who just need an opportunity. An Indian-owned team is great, but if there are Indians on the podium the victory is sweeter."
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There you go, Mr Mallya.
Did you know?Mallik also owns a restaurant in Ahmednagar
