CS Santosh’s Recovery After Dakar 2021 Horror Accident

CS Santosh is considered one of India’s most accomplished motorsport athletes, with three Dakar finishes under his belt. At the 2021 Dakar, the Hero MotoSports Team Rally rider suffered a horrific crash on Stage 4 of the rally. He was placed in an induced coma to aid his recovery. When he finally woke up, he was a changed person. In this warts-and-all-interview, CS Santosh sits down with DW REV and talks us through his journey of recovery, his fight to find himself again, and his concerted efforts to someday be back on the motorcycle competing in the dunes.
Report: Vaishali Dinakaran
Camera: Arjun Dhavale
Editor: Christian Förster
Hindi Version: • मोटर स्पोर्ट्स के भारत...
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Supervising Editors: Niels Eixler, Frank Lukeit, Michael Trobridge
Channel Manager: Joseph Wright
REV - The Global Auto and Mobility Show from Deutsche Welle
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[@Anee988]

This guy is a real hero. Been following following Santosh for a while but didn't know the extent of his injury mentally more than physically. Great interview. Tough to watch but these stories are important to break the stigma on depression.

[@Motorcyclegig]

Yes me too haven't came across what that's horrible accident caused to CS Santosh.

[@ethics3]

A " Hero " ? So he risked his life to save another ?

[@jalexrosh]

@@ethics3 you wouldn't understand. Not all heroes come from Marvel Studios kiddo.

[@abhy301]

This is absolutely scary! Motorsports is dangerous. I've no words to describe how I feel for C.S Santosh. Crashing on 130kms speed, surviving coma, standing on your feet, riding a bicycle and getting back to two-wheeler; you've already showed how courageous you are. And to mention and discuss on public issues like mental health, depression and testosterone, it really shows the kind of value you carry and gift everyone around you. There's only one C.S Santosh, a trailblazer, Champion Indian and Ace Dakar rider. Your contributions won't be forgotten. You already are a legend. Come back, bounce back, laugh. Rooting for you champ! 😊🤞🏿

[@brycealanketzel8172]

Santosh is the man. Would love to see him race again. True inspiration and hero.

[@davidhewitt555]

Such a well spoken gentleman 👏 Brave soul Wish you all the best in the future Big love 🇬🇧

[@shariks7230]

Been following Santosh for years. He lived the dream of evry 90's kid of racing & dirt biking. I love you Santosh ❤️ you're gonna come out of this.

[@desidudev]

Exactly what ‘HEROes’ are made of! Godspeed.

[@dipuBarua]

Don't lose hope, Santhosh. What you have achieved, not many Indian has achieved in motorsports. You are still the best.

[@grantlingley5099]

An amazing person, and obviously an amazing Rider! Prayers are with you for sure.

[@manjucs2331]

Santosh is super human. What a great comeback. Deserve all respect to him and his family.

[@PriyankkaGataDutta]

The mind is a marvel and given CS's story so far, he will conquer the odds. Extremely proud of him to have put his real and unfiltered story out there. It adds to the reality of risks in motorsports and a story of getting back to form from these instances. CS we believe in you and we KNOW you'll get back on that seat and over and above a dune. Keep fighting. It's still very much on.... Prianca

[@premjs]

I knew he crashed, knew that he was in an induced coma for a month and also knew that he got back up from the fall, but didn't know how difficult all of it was. Truly an inspiration.

[@NanuAkshayMurali]

Your comeback was when you kept your hands on a motorcycle again! Nothing will Stop you! What an inspiration story ! 👏

[@kiranfelix5799]

A Man with a purpose , a dream is so indestructible.

[@KarthikeyanHaldurai]

What an inspiration. Can't wait to see you back in Dakar and will follow where life takes you!

[@karansinghwilkho]

Guys at DW. I love the content you bring up. I mean there are so many things around the world that we are not aware of. Thank You for covering an Indian Motorsport Legend. Cheers to DW. Cheers to CS Santosh.

[@DWREV]

Thank you Karan

[@LogicallySoundMM]

Couldn't remember anything else, but his body remembered how to ride ... wow! Bikes run not on the road for CS Santhosh, but in his veins

[@olivierdamiron7279]

Santosh mentioning Vatanen... Respect. Speedy recovery Santosh, you are a Hero.

[@BIJUDOC]

Amazing journey CSS had from motocross/dirt track to rally raid from a country where motoracing has no money or media support.... Godspeed always in all your ventures.

[@chasingdogs]

I was tearing up most of the time. i wish you the best, Santhosh. In becoming the man you want to become. Keep at it!

[@jcsquared1111]

First time I am learning about all your successes and that horrible accident you suffered. You have completely blown me away with your raw openness and un relenting honesty!! I am 100 percent pulling for you to realize achieve an obtain exactly what you are striving toward. But remember you have already made an incredible historic mark in your life weather you ever race again or not!!

[@durgeshnandirai9311]

He's a legend in his own right, he's lived his dream and still has what it takes to overcome it.. I'm sure he will overcome his mental block and ride towards sunset come new year. You rock CS 👍

[@lennona5105]

We believe in you Santosh. Time is the greatest healer and we are sure you will be back stronger than ever. More power to you.

[@siddheshshivraj3534]

It takes enormous courage to bare it all in an interview, much respect to you for that. Much respect towards all your sponsors who place their faith in your recovery. Even if you don't find the old CS, the new CS which i see is not only same but smarter, wiser and more experienced than the old CS. I wish you the best of luck brother and my goodwill will always be with you & your pursuit.

[@Primus_suspectus]

From a fellow Bangalorean, I respect you. Bless you man

[@AshokGeorge0510]

This story needed exactly the sort of storytelling that has been done here. This could’ve easily been just another news story. We’ll done! We need more!

[@DWREV]

Thanks for watching!

[@SandeepKumar-xp6so]

You are a fighter Santosh...and we wish one day we will see you in Dakar... stay strong

[@briancalliari4421]

So happy to see Santosh’s continued progress and know he will race Dakar again one day.

[@username_vivek]

Real Hero and a very brave guy 🔥💥. Proud that Santhosh is kannadiga 💥🔥❤️❤️

[@sanmathshetty]

CS Santhosh our Real Hero from Bangalore. We will always look up to you. Stay strong Champion!

[@TwowheelerMonk]

There is no stopping a free spirit like you champ .. Ride hard, ride safe .. look forward to seeing you again on Dakar.

[@vishalsinghsengar7951]

Love you brother, you represent 'US' in the world of rally motor sport. we are proud of you

[@kirankumar-pc2oi]

An inspiration to many. This guy has made all of us proud and continue to do.

[@stevebiron3036]

So amazing that it was the "bike" that snapped things back into focus ! You ARE the man and will soon find what you seek. Thank you for sharing your AMAZING story in such depth and detail. Proof you are "truly" still there and will come out stronger than before.. do not let off the throttle champ... you will get there. WE ALL HAVE FAITH IN YOU MATE !

[@RishikeshKankal]

Was not aware that C.S. Santosh have gone through this injury. True man you are, there won't be any other C.S. Santosh. You have inspired a generation by just riding a motorcycle and you are going to inspire people for a lifetime by coming out of what you have gone through. You will write new chapters in history. I pray that one day you just don't be back where you were but even reach out beyond that! A ton of respect for you and sending a lot of strength to you and your Parents!

[@kuttaiah]

CS if you're reading this... I'm a fan and we know you will be racing soon. You have reached great heights and set several major benchmarks for Indian motorsports world over. LEGEND! Much Respect and more power to you bro ✌️

[@surajbhandari3009]

That rock which u hit is not as hard n strong as we all k what Santosh is so give ur best no matter what ....we all with u .. we all need u to be back to what u were n more

[@Praveencapri]

I m surprised by an Indian representing in Dakar rally...which is one of my favorites. Depression is tough..My huge respect to this guy. May the best-chosen things come your way Santosh.

[@HighwayYogi]

You are an inspiration Santosh. The battle you are fighting, we may never understand, but I have faith in you that you will win. Hope to see you soon at Big Rock

[@thambu19]

You have always been my hero after Valentino and you will forever be one. Time heals everything and one day you will be racing again. You will race Dakar again. The journey has begun with your recognition that the recovery must happen on two wheels. The only way to trust is to watch your own incremental progress and realize that the trajectory to that progress is Dakar again. Until then keep your spirits high and please don't give up. Cheers buddy.

[@praveendan]

Yo Santosh, you are a hero buddy. You will be on top again. Would love to see you on a podium finish soon.

[@journeytounknown24]

Love can heal anything bro. The love u have for racing. Will bring you back 🌈🕊️

[@sagarm4659]

I've been following Santosh from few years now and we know that he's the champ . Definitely it's great to see him progressing with Positives . With this video especially he will bring a ray of hope for few others who have been through the same situation. Hope to see you soon in racing . He will always be The Champ that we've witnessed!

[@georgeanthony8999]

Mind over matter, if you dont mind it dont matter. Comeback story of the year👏👍👍

[@sennayamaha]

Don't loose hope santosh all the best. We wish you to come back again.

[@sauravnakoti]

I was not aware of someone like him from India... I feel extreme sport person should get more recognition then Cricket and football players. This is all about skill, risk and extreme determination

[@AjithuOpositive]

What an astonishing guy he is! Going through all such difficulties and overcoming them is not an ordinary man could do... True inspiration! Live long fast Indian 🙏

[@viewbehindthebar]

And for the person who did this video.... You are taken an amazing guts to make it and keep the biking spirit alive... 🙏 Many salute to you 🙏

[@RossiFumiIndia]

Being a dad to a 7 month old son, I can imagine what his parents had to go through. I would never fathom such courage to put your loved one through such a deadly sport.

[@jegadeeshtj79]

CSS ! You Will Win ! You are Strong 💪 man ! I believe in you !

[@RemoPeter]

Thanks to Santosh for sharing his story. having goosebumps while I write. The journey is tough but he is strong and will come out soon with support on his way!

[@bgbusdriver]

I was not aware that CS underwent such a turmoil. He is a winner and a true fighter

[@SrinivasRao7]

His words stirred up a storm. He's a real Hero!! Proud of you Santosh.

[@jai90devkar]

You're the man santosh, he's so genuine, spoke his heart out, he's will get back to Dakar one day.

[@evansmusyoki7137]

Great interview. Very brave of you to do the interview. keep up the spirit Santosh. You are a hero. Keep fighting. Hoping to see you back in Dakar sometime

[@impactjim]

I had a similar thing happen. He put this into perspective the best way possible. Santosh you're an inspiration to many athletes that have had a TBI. It is sad to loose yourself and have to become another version of yourself. For the first time since 2007. I have somebody that I can relate to. Not that I want it that way. It is how it is. Fight through this you have much to give Santosh.

[@tomtom8700]

CS....get well soon!!! We are waiting to see you back in action!!! With love from Kerala

[@nidhid562]

So great ..... thank you aravind kp sir bcz of him we get to know about cs Santhosh sir . handoff guys so proud of u 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@chintankalkura]

We want you back Santosh. You are a champion and you will be back. Never knew the extent of his injury, remember reading that he just crashed out. So sad.

[@TamilMediaTV]

Watched full interview. Truly painful to know what all happened. CS santhosh bro, please keep up your spirits always like this. You have great family support and Team support as well. Surely days will change. Time is always the best medicine for tragedies like this. Take care, brother!

[@anindyodutta8247]

Well said, and it took real courage to speak out about it... He has earned even more respect now beyond his awesome dakar rallies

[@kamalmaximus23]

You will be in Dakar again . I assure you . You are a hero

[@adii7056]

You're our Hero Santosh! Take your time, fight the odds and get back in your game!! We'll always be just behind your back cheering you 💗

[@danielmitchell5814]

Loads of respect for this great fighter, love you brother, from Pakistan.

[@fzlsalim]

Nothing but respect. You are a brave man, both in the dunes and in life. It takes a lot of courage to speak openly about your problems especially when the problems are considered a stigma. The man in you is not gone anywhere, it is right there. I hope you have a complete recovery. Respect.

[@flagellumdei2118]

You are a Superman , Santosh and your mind is made of Kryptonite, We are very proud of you .

[@jasonebenezer7650]

More power to you my brother ❤ What an inspiring story

[@shaichap]

we r with u santosh, proud of u.....

[@ameenjuraig5492]

Get back stronger Santhosh we all waiting for the old CS Santhosh. Super fan from kerala ❤️

[@awesomeagnihotrisvlog]

You sir ..are an inspiration 🙏🙏🙏

[@bijoysamanta1897]

@CS Santosh , We pray for your steadfast recovery. You will win again brother.

[@revantsharma6266]

hope santosh achieves more popularity 👍👍

[@markhall9899]

thank you for giving your words ,I've been through a head injury and living what you have said but i had never heard it said so Strat up and honest other than to my self in my head .again thank you.

[@jesteralk]

Thanks for sharing this CS, I've been going through similar issues while helping others on the same, still am...at your level to say it and get back to normalcy is a huge inspiration to many. Ride well ride high brother. We're with you.

[@kiransoans1106]

Super excited to see your comeback...we have seen it many times...but this time it's epic 🔥🔥

[@vijethahebbarkv393]

True Hero!!! We are blessed to born in same era as well as from same soil!!

[@deesat21]

Get well soon Santosh! There are many more Dakars waiting for you. Really proud of you.

[@parikshitbasu1723]

I can't imagine. Its so strange and out of the ordinary. I am just too moved to write anything...... Wish you all the best C.S Santosh!

[@angiloaliasmach]

This man will be back on track! Cheers to this amazing sportsman who has made India proud at Dakkar. Prayers and wishes 🙌

[@pranidoh6574]

His story is truly inspiring , his journey and his rediscovery is incredible . Best wishes to you Santhosh .

[@RaviKumar-hm3xn]

Thank you DW for bringing this to us 🙏🏻

[@DWREV]

Make sure to subscribe! Also check out our series Watts Up India with Vaishali

[@siddharthdesai6801]

Santy u r inspiration to many. U know u can do it

[@sudharshan1]

@CSSANTHOSH. i really hope you find that reason you are looking for. "he who has a WHY to live for can bear with almost any HOW" Your journey had started the moment you stepped out of that hospital, now go and make it incredible. Hope this message reaches you, CS Santosh.

[@Kirnotsarg]

Best wishes to Santosh for a full recovery! He is already a hero. Thanks to DW for covering what no Indian media house covers.

[@vigneshpalanisamy7343]

You are a legend man, grow strong and you can do it

[@dailydosemalayalam2362]

He sounded so positive n I wish him all the very success going forward. 💓 Hero riding a hero.

[@topg2820]

It's kinda comforting that even though he doesn't remember anything else but riding Bike still feels at home for him

[@gauravm.]

A true champ, a fighter, a great source of inspiration. Wishing you godspeed, Santosh.🙌⚡

[@DograRink]

You are a real Hero and an inspiration to all the riders!

[@SK1OO1]

Nothing to worry champ. You will bounce back. I have followed you from when you emerged. I have been in a horrible accident myself and lost my life as it was before. Nothing can stop me even now. We warriors will always come back stronger. We write our own story. Your legacy is already written and you are an undisputed Indian legend. Your story will never be forgotten for a thousand years. Your legion of followers, will forever dance to your beat. Long may you smile CS.

[@tinualex2364]

No words champ - you are a true inspiration

[@MotoRhapsody]

What a Hero, no words but only respect

[@vishalpatil8496]

Beautifully captured... Inspiring to see CS is dealing mental health with great attitude... Thank you for sharing this story!!! God bless!

[@ravijm5147]

WELLCOME BACK BROTHER ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@bigbearbangalore]

WishIng you a speedy recovery champ. Best wishes!

[@huayrarevo]

Buddy we are here for you !!!

[@mapxrenthlei]

GIVE THIS MAN A SANTOSH TROPHY!!!

[@optimystic01]

Thanks for bringing this story. This is an inspiration for many. Santosh is a legend !

[@Danger_mouse]

All the best for your continuing recovery Santo 👍 It was very sad for us all to hear of your crash and injury.

[@nidhid562]

Plz do interview of aravind kp sir also plzzz

[@DWREV]

Let’s see what we can do!

[@praveshramsarran635]

I have not heard of you Santhosh, until watching this video, only when I watched this video I realized what u actually went through, abviously though what u explained. I must admit, I watched every second and wished the video didn't end. You've been excellent through this interview and I once again admire the courage it probably took doing this video. More then that I admire you as a person. Don't give up bro. Wish you all the best from South Africa.