The Bioscope Man

There was a point in time, when the bioscope man came down the streets during our summer vacations. We'd go running after him, clutching a 50 paisa coin - the fee of admission for his show, that would be setup on the street corner. Peeping hard through the tiny 'portholes', we'd see jerky images of vague Bollywood song & dance routines - accompanied by the crackling sound from a gramophone mounted on top.

Though we had color TV then, with Bollywood movies, Chitrahaar, Ramayan along with Spiderman and He-man cartoons ... the bioscope was the object to lust after. And then cable happened, along with internet and the bioscope man was nowhere to be seen. For years there was no sign of them, anywhere - until I found him again.... at the Surajkund Mela.

Reduced to a fairground novelty - the fellow spent most of his time, looking around for customers. He did find a few.. but I wonder if they were enough.....



--

Image Details:

Camera: Canon EOS 350D Digital
Lens: Canon EF 70-200mm F/4-L
Aperture: f/6.3
Shutter Speed: 1/80 sec
Focal Length: 70 mm
ISO Speed: ISO 200
Exposure: Aperture Priority