“My name is Rita, and people call me Stunt Rider Rita. I’m from Assam. I started learning bike stunts when I was 15. By the time I turned 16, I had mastered the basics.

It all began when a mela came to our hometown. I was fascinated by the Well of Death and wanted to learn. It wasn’t easy—this craft requires balance, focus, and years of practice. There was no formal training; I learned by watching senior riders and slowly getting hands-on experience. In this profession, mistakes can be dangerous, so every move has to be precise.

Now, I ride with a team from Jharkhand, and we’ve been performing for the last 12 years. Every day, we take on the Well of Death, riding motorcycles and cars at high speeds, reaching nine meters high on a 75-80 degrees incline. I like Bullet bikes because of their balance and sturdy build. Every vehicle we use in performing our stunts is carefully chosen, and engines are tuned for maximum control

Despite the skill and risk involved, there’s very little recognition for stunt riders like us. People watch, cheer, and move on, but they don’t realise the years of training behind each performance. Unlike other sports, there are no awards or official platforms for our talent. Many of us dream of getting opportunities beyond exhibitions—like working as stunt riders in movies, where our skills could be put to better use.

For most of us, this isn’t just about thrill; it’s our livelihood. We depend on shows for income, but they aren’t always steady. A career in films or professional stunt work would mean better financial stability, especially for those with families.

Even with the risks, I love what I do. Meeting spectators after a performance and seeing their reactions makes it all worthwhile. This is our craft, and we continue to push our limits, hoping for better opportunities ahead.”