MB#60: ๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐ก๐๐ค๐ฃ๐ฎ ๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ง'๐จ ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐.
- www.suryanarayana.com
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
[MemoirBlogthon #60] As the certifying authority for cine theater building fitness in Machilipatnam in 1969, my father was privy to a unique, unspoken perk: free balcony entry and refreshments for his family. He initially refused, but when his staff felt they were losing the courtesy, he engineered a brilliant compromise. His rulesโprior intimation, small groups, and respecting management's comfortโallowed us to enjoy classic films and attend glamorous 100-day celebrations, where we met Telugu stars like Akkineni Nageswara Rao. This lesson proved that ethical boundaries, not rigid denial, are the key to using privilege with integrity.
The Privilege and the Problem of Perception
In 1969, my father was the Executive Engineer for the Roads and Buildings (R\&B) department in Krishna District, headquartered in Machilipatnam. This role made him the certifying authority for cine theaters, responsible for granting the building's annual fitness certificate. Consequently, theater managements were naturally cordial, offering a coveted privilege: free entry to watch movies in the balcony class and complimentary refreshments for the engineer and his family.
Upon joining the office, my father initially refused this offer for three months. However, a staff member approached me to convey an important message: "The office staff are not allowed to use this privilege by many theaters because the boss and his family are not using such a facility. Hence, once in a while the facility should be used instead of altogether avoiding it."
### The Engineering of Ethical Guidelines
My father, understanding the importance of staff morale and professional courtesy, devised an informal set of guidelines for using the privilege with integrity:
Prior Permission: Always go with prior intimation to the management (usually through the departmental peon/jawan). "Don't just walk in on the day of release or on weekends."
Limit Attendance: Go with a maximum of three members at a time.
Respect Discretion: Leave the entry of the accompanying peon to the discretion of the management.
With these instructions, we began attending movies on weekdays. Once we reached a theater, entry was a simple walk-in, as seats were often reserved for various government departments (Police, Fire, Electricity, etc.). During the intermission, free refreshments were served. We put a limit on ourselves: only two movies a week and never visiting the same theater too frequently, ensuring the management remained comfortable.
A Ticket to Star-Studded Celebrations
The most exciting perk was the extra privilege of being invited to the Telugu movies' 100th-day celebrations. In that era, a 100-day run was a monumental box office validation, confirming a film's major commercial success and the star power confirmation of the actors.
Attending these functions gave us a fantastic opportunity to meet prominent actors, including Sobhan Babu, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Vanisree, Sarada, and famous comedians like Padmanabham. I gained firsthand knowledge of the film industry's mechanisms, realizing the immense publicity and industry recognition these events generated.
One notable film was "Dasara Bullodu" (1971), starring Akkineni Nageswara Rao, which ran for 100 days in 25 theaters across Andhra Pradeshโa major industry hit that celebrated its run in Machilipatnam around early to mid-1972.
Because of the system guided by my father, we enjoyed the movies and the celebrations without compromising his professional stature. Crucially, the staff members also benefited from the renewed courtesy, realizing that ethical guidelines prevented the loss of a small perk altogether.
MB#60: Quiz
MB60: Question: Which major Telugu film, starring Akkineni Nageswara Rao, ran for 100 days in 25 theaters?
A. Manushulu Marali (1969).
B. Kodalu Diddina Kapuram (1970).
C. Dasara Bullodu (1971).
D. Akka Chellelu (1970).
MB#60: Quote
"Character is how you treat those who can do nothing for you."
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