When Tom Brook, host of the popular Talking Movies on BBC World News, wanted to interview me some years ago, and asked me for my favourite theatre, I had no hesitation in replying, "Gaiety-Galaxy." So that's where we shot my interview. Sadly, there was no Salman Khan film that week, but Ravi Jadhav's delightful film Time Pass was showing. Brook could not believe his eyes: discreetly, and with permission, he shot the audience reacting to the film — they were laughing, hooting and dancing in the aisles.

Gaiety-Galaxy, of course, is the very janata-class theatre in Bandra, just about serviceable. But because most of the films I see are either at press previews in swish, soulless multiplexes, or as video links for international film festivals and awards, I have developed an intense attachment to Gaiety-Galaxy, or G7, to give its official name. It comprises Gaiety, Galaxy, Glamour, Gemini, Gossip, Grace and Gem. I also adore single screeners, including Aurora at Matunga, Deepak Talkies at Lower Parel and Liberty at New Marine Lines. What makes Gaiety-Galaxy (GG) special is that it is technically a multiplex with seven screens, but unquestionably single-screener in character and facilities.