Movies

"We are going to the movies...", My dad would announce in the morning.

Me and my sister - on hearing this, would jump with joy. Movies used to be a monthly affair during our childhood. Unlike the multiplexes of today, the movie theater used to be a single screen building near our house. It had an asbestos sheet and during summers used to be very very hot. Considering the fact that none of the hindi movies during the late 80s and early 90s were good, it is a wonder that we managed to sit through many of them in the sweltering heat.

Our trips to the cinema used to be usually on a sunday afternoon. Occasionally, when the Amitabh starrer released, we insisted with our parents that we have to see the movie in the first week itself. This was important so that we could participate and contribute in the furious critical discussions that used to happen in our school groups - "Amitabh's entry is excellent, boss" OR "Amrish Puri is taught a great lesson by Amitabh in that scene..." etc etc.

On movie day, we would be on our best behaviour - lest parents decide to cancel the plan in case of any mischief on our part. We would finish our lunch, and then dad would be off to the theatre to buy the tickets. We would pray that tickets are available and not sold-out.

Dad would comeback - and let us know that tickets have been purchased. We would quickly dress up, Mom would pack some snacks and then we would be off to the movie.

The movie hall used to be packed with all kinds of people. There used to be no A/C and we would be sweating by the time the movie started. My Dad, never liking movies, used to always nod off during the show, but we would be watching the movie with rapt attention.

Thinking back, I used to enjoy the whole event a lot - although dad never like movies that much, he used to still take us to the movies. Also, Sunday used to be his only off day, but he would come with us uncomplainingly. Mom and Dad would be sitting on both sides and would pass on snacks for us to eat during the show. Ahhh...it was a heavenly experience!

Thanks a lot, Mom and Dad!!!!