Driving home a point
Kolkata Traffic Police is using ‘Khokababu’ in its signboards to promote safe driving. CT rides pillion
Zinia Sen
After “Kolaveri Di”, it’s time for Kolkata Traffic Police to hum a new note. And it’s none other than “Khokababu”. The Dev starrer, which is running to packed houses, has been chosen as the new mantra to rein in wayward bikers in the city. Signboards have been put up across busy junctions to raise awareness against rash driving sans helmets.
Talking about the campaign, DC (Traffic) Dilip Banerjee says, “We were looking at catchy lines to convey the message to all and sundry. “Khokababu” has a great connect and even children who ride pillion, will be able to relate to it. What’s important is the underlying message and how we are presenting it.” The slogan used in the hoarding is ‘Khokababu jaye... helmet kothaye?’ It urges parents to ensure that children too wear helmets when on a bike. While the illustration on the signboards shows a child riding with his parents without helmet, the catchline says: ‘Bacchadero helmet poran’.
The news has put Khokababu aka Dev on cloud nine. “It’s a great feeling. If an awareness campaign has been initiated using my character’s name or draws inspiration from my song, then I have all the reasons to be overjoyed,” he says. So, what message would he like to send out to bikers in the city? “Everyday, we get to read about bike accidents in the newspapers. I always make it a point to wear a helmet when I am driving a bike. I would expect more and more people to follow the practice. Be responsible and drive safe,” he adds.
Talking about the campaign, DC (Traffic) Dilip Banerjee says, “We were looking at catchy lines to convey the message to all and sundry. “Khokababu” has a great connect and even children who ride pillion, will be able to relate to it. What’s important is the underlying message and how we are presenting it.” The slogan used in the hoarding is ‘Khokababu jaye... helmet kothaye?’ It urges parents to ensure that children too wear helmets when on a bike. While the illustration on the signboards shows a child riding with his parents without helmet, the catchline says: ‘Bacchadero helmet poran’.
The news has put Khokababu aka Dev on cloud nine. “It’s a great feeling. If an awareness campaign has been initiated using my character’s name or draws inspiration from my song, then I have all the reasons to be overjoyed,” he says. So, what message would he like to send out to bikers in the city? “Everyday, we get to read about bike accidents in the newspapers. I always make it a point to wear a helmet when I am driving a bike. I would expect more and more people to follow the practice. Be responsible and drive safe,” he adds.
