Organised by the non-governmental group Population Services International (PSI), the Masti Mela at the Vashi truck terminal on Saturday evening was all about infotainment. Making a song and dance of the disease, the organisers hoped to get the message through to the truck drivers, one of the high-risk groups. And by the end of the three-hour show, the queue for condoms was quite long.

Between liberal doses of Daler Mehndi, Bollywood masala and a magic show, the troupe performing spoke about the ``baap of all diseases''. Starting with the modes oftransmission to the effects of the deadly disease, they covered it all.

First performers of the Caravan group talked about the disease and then asked questions. For every correct answer, the trucker walked away with a gift. The first round of questions got no response. The truckers were just too ``shy'' to talk about it. Finally, one old man was cajoled onto stage and then the answers came in thick and fast. Name one mode of transmission, asked the compere. ``Visit to Turbhe Tekdi,'' replied a 20-something. The compere elaborated and talked about multiple sex partners and frequent visits to red-light areas.

The condom vending machine also drew a lot of attention. PSI officials first demonstrated how the contraption worked and then asked their audience to come and try. There was the shuffling of feet, clearing of throats and sniggering before one ``brave trucker'' came forward. He took out the one rupee coin, inserted it in the slot and quickly pocketed the condom packet that came out. There was a loudround of applause for him and following his example, other truckers formed a quick line. In the coins went, out the condoms came and the cheering grew louder. PSI will be putting up a couple of the vending machines at the terminal.

Then condom man, dressed in pink, took centrestage. After having been mauled by the crowd during his attempt to interact freely with them, this time he stayed up on stage. Shaking hands with truckers and their helpers he quietly slipped in a packet of condom in their hands. Embarrassed, they stuffed it into their pockets.

It was only when Caravan members put on their mimicry hat and imitated filmstars that the audience became more receptive. Questions were asked, condoms bought and at the end of the day, a number of the truckers knew a little more about the disease than they did before the show began.

Zahir, who carries goods between Indore and Mumbai, gave an impromptu speech on the occasion: ``The dances were good but the information given was more important,'' Zahir toldhis fellow truckers. ``We really must take this whole thing seriously and do our bit.'' Phase II of the mela was also a success.