I remember a time, when there were no multiplexes and visiting a cinema was a special occasion, where you dressed up and reached there much before time, to see all the government advertisements AND there was no popcorn, pasta being delivered to your seat. Maybe if your parents were feeling happy and not having carried snacks from home, you would have been treated to a samosa.
The National Anthem used to be played in the end of the movie and everybody stood at attention, sung along in their not so melodious voices and then the doors were opened allowing you to go out.
TIME flew, for a while they stopped playing the national anthem, before somebody recalled and it was made mandatory all over again.
Now there are multiplexes everywhere, working couples, friends, families come rushing last minute to see the movie, carrying practically meals that would feed a small nation, stepping all over your toes, hands mostly without a nary of an apology.
The National anthem is played before the movie begins.
And more than 30-40% people wait outside the door, chatting for it to begin and get over. Out of the ones who are already seated there are always those, useless bums who refuse to get up or get up slowly, muttering to themselves.
There are some people, moi included who take umbrage about this and there is an argument, even a fight at times. (newspapers have reported too)
Compared to the past couple of years, I have noticed that the people not getting up is in a very negligible minority these days, however the fidgeting, muttering still continues.
The most popular reason cited is “Democracy” which is all fine, but the same people stand at attention when applying for a visa, traveling abroad amongst other things, but feel it beneath their dignity to respect the country that they live in.
We are all to blame for this. Well I do stand up for the national anthem & sing it proudly. Do You?
