A lot of enthralled fans spotted Thala Ajith on his red beast BMW S1000 RR, whizzing past on the Old Mahabalipuram Road, on the outskirts of Chennai city. He stopped by for tea at times, and to patiently pose with fans otherwise. But his road trip had a motto at large, which is very different from what it seemed like. “It is better to sweat than to bleed” he says, stating the reason for his rendezvous. Though it seemed like a plush road trip on his swanky new asset, in reality, it was an awareness campaign that had him headed on the road. “I wanted to create awareness about ensuring safety on bike rides, especially the importance of wearing helmet. With my outfit, with the knee pads and shoulder pads complete, it would sure have come across as a road trip, but it was far more than just a jolly ride. Road trips are a commonplace thing abroad, and I am happy to see the trend picking up in our country too. I, along with a few friends of mine, frequently set out on road trips, but most of them have a reason behind it, like the one this time.

I observe that a lot of people skip wearing a helmet, for either they consider it an expensive affair or feel uncomfortable in the humid weather in the city. But I would like to remind them all that in case of the worst, a basic MRI scan requires coughing up 7000 rupees, and I believe that it is better to sweat than to bleed” says Ajith, on his worthwhile expedition. Further, he added “I heard a lot of negative remarks on one of the scenes of ‘Mankathaa’ that got leaked on the internet, in which I was not wearing a helmet, while riding a bike. I know I am responsible for my actions on screen, and I would like to remind that no such scene was part of the final film that made it to the silver screen; it was only that one scene which got leaked, that had me in the dangerous stunt. Here is a piece of suggestion and a request from me to everyone who rides a bike – be it for passion, to work, for duty or even for an emergency – kindly wear helmet and ensure your safety always. Life is too precious to be lost on road.”

So how was the trip? “Ah it was nostalgic! From the age of 18, I have been riding many beasts and super bikes. I am a human, just as much as anybody. And bikes make for one of my little passions in my personal space. Despite my packed schedule, I plan out quick trips with friends, every now and then, and it is purely joyous on all road trips. But no matter where I go, I never forgo on safety” concludes Thala, who wishes not to disclose the destination of his recent awareness ride. All said and done, the message is home. Will you take Thala’s suggestion?

  Ajith