37-year-old Sandeep Shahi, Delhi’s Head Constable Traffic Police, improvised Ranveer Singh’s hit number ‘Apna Time Aayega’ from Gully Boy to raise awareness about road safety. In a video that went viral on Tuesday, 18 June, the cop is seen rapping ‘Agar helmet nahi lagayega toh tera time aayega.'
Speaking to news agency ANI, Shahi said, “I was deeply hurt when my wife suffered injuries in the road accident. Also, I see many young people take traffic rules very lightly. Therefore I decided to write this rap, it was the best way to connect with the youth.”
In the 42-second clip, Shahi requested citizens to wear helmet, seat belts while commuting, as well as respect other traffic rules.
‘Talented & Responsible,’ Twitter Hails Cop
As the video began winning hearts over the internet, Shahi was called ‘talented and responsible’. One Twitter user even said, ‘We need more of such cops.’
On his rap going viral, Shahi said:
“I came to know about the video going viral through media. People are very casual about road safety and are reluctant to follow traffic rules. So, I felt it was my responsibility to make people aware. People either drive, are pedestrians or take public transport. In order to have a prolonged life, knowledge of road safety and its rules is imperative.”
Shahi has also been distributing real and authorised helmets to the needy out of his savings. Till date, he has reportedly circulated over 700 helmets to people who contained forged ones.
If Gully Boy had released now, this song may have even stolen Ranveer’s thunder or given him a strong competition at the least.
(With inputs from ANI)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)