Hyderabad, July 31 -- As the mellifluous voice of Mohammed Rafi began reverberating in the theatre signaling the final moments of the film Pyaasa, the crowds standing in the queue at the ticket counter outside the theatre waiting for the commencement of the next show were ecstatic.

So was I, standing in the queue at the Rs 2.50 ticket counter. The rush was heavy, but I ensured that I would get the ticket to watch one of the masterpieces of Guru Dutt, which I had been longing to see for years.

It was Palace Theatre at the right side of the Abids Circle, which was regularly screening golden oldies of Bollywood, whether it was Pyaasa or Taj Mahal or Mughal-e-Azam and of course, all-time hit Baiju Bawra." It was my favourite joint to watch ...