Saniya Anjum/Bengaluru

Imagine a three-year-old girl, barely tall enough to see over the dashboard, gripping the wheel of a modified car and zooming across an open field with the skill of a pro racer. She is defying every expectation of what a child can do. This is the extraordinary beginning of Rifah Taskeen's journey, today a 15-year-old changemaker from Mysore, who has turned the impossible into her playground.

Born on July 9, 2010, in the heart of Mysore, where ancient palaces echo amidst the roar of engid.nes, Rifah is the daughter of Bi Bi Fatima, a devoted teacher at the Government Urdu Higher Primary School in Bada Makaan, and Tajuddin, a former car and two-wheeler racer now thriving in the hotel business.

With her elder sister Shifa Sahar now married, Rifah ignited her family's dreams. As a 10th-gradeer at St. Anne's School, she is not just another teenager but a barrier-shattering force inspiring generations.

Tajuddin's unfulfilled dream of international racing fame led him to yearn for a son to inherit his passion. Instead, he found a prodigy in Rifah.

At seven, she was already driving vehicles like a veteran. By three, she mastered her father's custom-modified car, practising endlessly on the grounds. At five, she drove from Mysore to Bengaluru with astonishing precision.

By six, she performed jaw-dropping stunts and drifts at St. Joseph's School in Bannimantap, wowing crowds in school shows. Tajuddin crafted the "Baggi," a unique quad bike, just for her. On Republic Day, January 26, 2017, seven-year-old Rifah stole the spotlight at her school, embodying an unbreakable spirit.

Greatness demanded perseverance. Shifa pushed to publicise Rifah's talents, but media exposure eluded her, perhaps, due to age. Enter Nagesh, a boy who sparked her media breakthrough by linking them to a pioneering woman journalist from a top newspaper in 2017. The article launched her; by October, another piece made her famous overnight.

World records beckoned, but bureaucracy blocked her way. The RTO and government officials denied permissions to her to drive citing her age. The family lobbied with ministers and others in the power. The late MLA Vasu vowed, "I'm ready to help this girl even if I go to jail—I'll get her every permission." Backed by the police commissioner and the in-charge minister, a school test sealed the deal.

On November 5, 2017, she earned her Golden Book of World Records honour by driving multiple vehicles, including a lorry at Eidgah Ground in Tilak Nagar, an achievement that dominated Mysore headlines.

As the chief guest at Chinnara Dasara, her viral photo swayed the Deputy Commissioner for special permissions. She kicked off the event with an electrifying bike ride at JK Ground, reigniting media frenzy. Beyond racing, Rifah is serving as Mysore City Corporation's cleanliness ambassador, now in her fifth consecutive year, mobilising communities.

Rifah and her parents with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

As the tuberculosis state ambassador for four years, she fought stigma and spread awareness. In 2025, the Tipu Sultan Award awaits her.

Rifah was invited by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in 2019; whe met him and Sonia Gandhi, who showed profound respect—Bi Bi Fatima notes no one matched their honour. Sonia inquired about her dreams; Rifah said "fighter pilot." Sonia's endorsement opened Jakkur Aerodrome for an eight-year-old Rifah to pilot a two-seater aircraft.

One of Rifah's certificates of record making

During Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra in Mysore, she rejoined Rahul Gandhi, thrilling him with a daring vehicle drift that symbolised bold unity.

Entirely self-funded, with no outside aid, Bi Bi Fatima manages Rifah's social media. 

Through brand ads and promotions, she amplifies her impact, showing talent's limitless power.Holder of seven world records—Golden Book of World Records, Elite Book of World Records, High Range Book of World Records, India Book of World Records, Asia Book of World Records, Worldwide Book of World Records, and Wonder Book of World Records—Rifah commands vehicles like no other: bikes, a car-sized lengthy bike, JCBs, tippers, dozers, road rollers, cranes, cars, buses, SUVs, and even a plane at eight.

Nothing escapes her mastery.Globally, she inspires athletes like Alina and Alizah, who were moved by her journey, and won Taekwondo medals in Thailand and later invited her as their chief guest.Rifah's prowess extends to combat sports: third-place state-level boxing medalist, national karate contender, and recent star at Shivamogga's state boxing event. On September 28, 2025, she'll claim an award from the PM Foundation at Le Meridien International in Kochi, Kerala.

Post-SSLC, she aims for four or five more records—driving without tyres or steering, performing film-style stunts like balancing on two wheels for 15 km, and even soaring a car over 10 others—bold declarations of defiance.

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Rifah Taskeen doesn't merely drive—she engineers transformation. From that three-year-old behind the wheel to a 15-year-old champion of cleanliness, health, and bravery, her tale proves: Dreams ignore age and rules. They surge with heart, grit, and no brakes. When the world whispers "too young," Rifah thunders: "Watch m