Actor Shahrukh Khan says that we cannot cry or laugh alone. And as long as it’s true about humanity, cinema will prosper
Though the digital wave has taken over the world but the charm of having tangible tickets, overpriced popcorn, and most of all, the big screen is still unparalleled as it offers a form of escapism and entertainment that cannot be achieved at home or on mobile phones. This enhances the equation of cine-goers with cinema and is evolving and growing stronger with time.
When we talk about cinema, several names come to our mind and one without fail is PVR because of its refined cinema-viewing. To keep pace with the modern times, it will renovate its very first multiplex in India, PVR Anupam in Saket. Ajay Bijli, chairman and managing director, PVR Ltd said, “We want to revamp it to make it more relevant for the youth. It will remain a young cinema with all the available technologies, dolby atmos, 4k laser but we will keep it only for the youth.” The property, introduced in 1997, was the epitome of a modern cinema theatre in its era and has received opulent love from its viewers for over two decades.
Since it commenced with the screening of Yes Boss (1997), there wouldn’t have been a better guest than Shahrukh Khan for this occasion. As he shared his past experiences, he went nostalgic recalling the times when we couldn’t afford a ticket. The actor said, “Two decades of the theatre, spreading love, laughter and entertainment among the cine-goers. It is a great feeling to witness this love and enthusiasm. Cinema has been an integral part of India’s entertainment ecosystem, and as actors, producers, directors or exhibitors it is the love for films which strives us to keep performing and live up to the expectations of the audience.” He further apprised the audience with his early life experiences and desires. “It was my life’s dream to own a film theatre. I could not buy a film theatre but I believe all PVR’s are my own.” As he said this the hall echoed with claps from every corner.
Khan instilled confidence among the people and made them believe in the power of dreams as despite being a rank outsider, he went on to rule the film world as the Badshah. He said, “The unexpected moments of life are the best. You don’t understand its purpose then and there but eventually you do. I don’t want to show off but I am genuinely a dream come true.”
When asked about how he felt when he saw himself the first time on the screen, the actor said it was during the shoot of Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman (1992). “When I saw myself for the first time on the screen in RK studio I found myself very ugly, my hair was so bad and I was acting badly as compared with Juhi Chawla, Nana Patekar and Amrita Singh. They consoled me saying the final cut would be better. But they lied, I never looked better. I was always the same,” said he.
The actor also blamed some of the stars for rising ticket prices. He said, “This blame for the rising ticket prices on the because we keep our ticket prices high when we release them on weekends. Films have become expensive.”
Khan added that though there are many platforms to showcase talent but film theatre is the real romance and the real celebration (of cinema.) In fact, theatres are a place where a community gets together. He said, “There are two things I always tell when someone asks me if cinema/theatre is going to prosper. ‘Hum akele ro nahi sakte, hum akele hass nahi sakte.’ And as long as that is true about humanity, cinema theatres will prosper. The day we can cry or laugh all alone that is the day when theatre business will shut down. We do need a lot more theatres in the country. Instead of having three to four crore people watching cinema, I want the scenario to reach a place when 20-22 million people watch the film when it releases.”
—With inputs from agencies
Photo: Pankaj Kumar