Curtain falls: The end of an era

Right then, it triggered the farthest corner of my father's memory and the stories of The Saint and James Bond started flowing, enlightening me about an era of excellence which I, along with the younger generation, had missed.

"All of us siblings would rush to our television sets at six or seven in the evening and stayed glued there for an hour or so, till the show ended. It was our everyday routine, 'The Saint' had grown in us," reminisced my father with a twinkle in his eyes.

Upon hearing the news of his death, I did a little bit of reading on the charismatic, Sir Roger Moore. I was baffled by his good looks, even at the age of 89, and his ever humble nature.

There was an interesting read, which my father had recommended on Sir Roger. The write-up was about the time the writer had met him. He was a child and was full of excitement and craze about the movie James Bond when he happened to come across Roger Moore at the airport.

The star struck and over the moon and enthusiastic child went up to him and asked for an autograph. The star signed "Roger Moore" along with a warm note instead of James Bond. Confused, the kid asked if he had made a mistake. At that moment, he leaned forward and whispered that he had not written James Bond so that Blofeld (the villain from the movie) does not find out he was there. Happily the child went back to his seat with his coveted possession.

Years later, the child had grown up to be working as a scriptwriter, which involved him working with UNICEF where Roger Moore was present for the shoot. Seizing this opportunity, he told him about the time they had met at the airport to which Sir Roger said that he could not recall. However, on leaving the set, he went up to the writer of the article and whispered that he remembered the incident. He did not say anything then because the cameramen could have been working for Blofeld!

Such was the personality of Sir Roger Moore who was so humble and down to earth. Not only did he contribute to the film industry, but his unabating contribution to humanity and world peace has inspired and helped many.

Many of his fans and admirers have been seen writing that he carried with himself an aura of royalty and it is very true. For the younger generation who could not experience his time but have heard about him can get some idea about the man, his charisma, good look and time from the outpouring of messages from his fans who had the good luck to be part of the Simon Templar and James Bond era.

It is sad that people like him have left the world when the world needs them the most. There will certainly be a void in the film fraternity, and yet many artistes are certainly there who will emulate him as their real life hero.