Projection room
By Supreet Sethi
24 Sep 2008
Shahreyar was only child of his parents. It goes without saying, he was protected. Living in Delhi for long, he did see many movies. But his experience of theater came much later in life. He used to hear so much about the experience of watching a movie in theater. He asked many questions, querying about various aspects of the stories his friends would tell about their experiences. He had built up a mental picture of theater in his mind. No doubt he was waiting for his first experience. It happened when his parents to him for recently released movie with well known actor.
Nothing could still prepare him for the transformation of shimmering day light into heart of darkness which was theater. The film started and blackness was replaced by a body of crimson and yellow coming straight from behind where he was sitting and hitting un-regretfully onto huge white screen in front of him. His senses were tuned to this small square slit which seem to be sending this volley of images and sound. His mind wondering which kind of conjurer could come up which such a ribbon of dreams. He sat through this without rest. He did not want to be just the witness. He wanted to create it. He walked out of the theatre and searched among many rooms outside. Finally took the flight of stairs walking straight into it the projection room, possessed by a solitary thought. He saw the film rolling in front of the white beam of light. He wanted to hold onto his magical tape in his hand. He knew, he will never let go.
