Telugu star Vijay Devarakonda has apologised on behalf of “the boys”, and said he would “immediately reach out to all and make them aware” of the need to follow traffic rules. This comes on the heels of the Hyderabad Traffic Police posting a picture of a motorcycle with the word ‘Rowdy’ and nothing else on its number plate.
The Arjun Reddy star has a huge, loyal fan base who call themselves ‘Rowdy’. These days, the actor signs off letters to fans with ‘Rowdy Comrade’ also alluding to his upcoming multi-lingual film Dear Comrade.
Vijay joins the list of actors who are exercising their social responsibility, and taking the initiative to let their fans know what is acceptable behaviour and what is not.
On March 20, the Twitter page of Hyderabad Traffic Police (@HYDTP) tweeted out a photo of a rider who had an improper name board on his bike. The name board just read ‘Rowdy’. It requested riders to fix proper a proper number plate and to not tamper with it, because it was a “violation under Rule 50 & 51 of CMV Rules”.
#HYDTPweBringAwareness Today Cop of Tr PS SR Nagar caught 1 rider for violation of Reg No plate and booked a case @HYDTP request the riders 2 fix proper Reg No plate 2 ur vehicle N do not tamper the no plate. Using improper No plate is a violation under Rule 50 & 51 of CMV Rules. pic.twitter.com/Ka2SdE4gyk
— Hyderabad Traffic Police (@HYDTP) March 20, 2019
Within a brief time, Vijay responded saying he would request fans to comply, and posted a letter for them on his official page.
I apologise on behalf of the boys, will immediately reach out to all and make them aware.
— Vijay Deverakonda (@TheDeverakonda) March 20, 2019
He said that some rules have to be followed for everyone’s good and that if they had to show their love for anyone or God, it could be on any other part of the bike, except the number plate. His post was retweeted more than 800 times and liked by close to 9,000 people.
— Vijay Deverakonda (@TheDeverakonda) March 20, 2019
Sometime in 2017, the Mumbai Police had called out actor Varun Dhawan on twitter for taking a selfie with a fan at a traffic light, and told him an e-challan was on its way.
.@Varun_dvn These adventures surely work on D silver screen but certainly not on the roads of Mumbai! U have risked ur life,ur admirer’s & few others. V expect better from a responsible Mumbaikar & youth icon like U! An E-Challan is on d way 2 ur home. Next time, V will B harsher pic.twitter.com/YmdytxspGY
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) November 23, 2017
To this, the actor promptly apologised and said the cars were not moving, but that he would be careful henceforth.
My apologies ? Our cars weren’t moving since we were at a traffic signal and I didn’t want to hurt the sentiment of a fan but next time I’ll keep safety in mind and won’t encourage this. https://t.co/MEJk56EksG
— Varun ZAFAR Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) November 23, 2017
The Mumbai Police handle, which has a huge fan following for its cheeky replies and humour-laced tweets, did a Shashi Tharoor soon after, using the word ‘galactic coincidence’, wondering how a photographer was on site in time to capture the moment!
Quite a galactic coincidence for the photographer to be on the same signal to capture your gesture, in a good intent nevertheless risky. Leaning out even in a stationary vehicle can be distracting for others considering your popularity. Glad you took our message in d right spirit https://t.co/jKqosfH6V3
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) November 23, 2017
