It was supposed to be a quiet night at the movies but a member of the audience ended up becoming the leading lady when her boyfriend popped the question.

Ilford Recorder: Hinesh Patel & Hema Jetha in the Showcase Cinema in Barking where Hinesh proposed (photo: Arnaud Stephenson)Hinesh Patel & Hema Jetha in the Showcase Cinema in Barking where Hinesh proposed (photo: Arnaud Stephenson) (Image: Archant)

Hema Jetha, 25, dropped her popcorn in shock after a 15-minute video featuring messages from her family and friends was screened at the cinema.

It included footage of Hinesh Patel, 24, of Cobham Road, Seven Kings, in some of the couple’s favourite places – including the Embankment and the spot near Piccadilly Circus where they first met, five years ago.

Afterwards, he dropped to one knee and got the answer he was hoping for – after Hema had recovered from the initial surprise.

The elaborate proposal last week was the result of weeks of hard work behind the scenes, all of which was almost scuppered when Hema needed persuasion just to go to the cinema.

On arrival, Hinesh pretended to buy some blank tickets from the box office – distracting Hema by asking her to pick up some snacks – and ushered her into the screen.

When she noticed that the film started 45 minutes later than he had said, the plan almost came unstuck, but he managed to convince her that there had been a mistake.

“When the video started with me saying ‘earth to Hema’ the look on her face was priceless,” Hinesh admitted.

“It finished with me saying that I was going to hand over to the handsome guy sitting next to her. But when I popped the question she didn’t actually say yes straight away, she just stared at me in surprise.”

The location – Showcase Cinema in Barking – was quite fitting as it is the place where they had their first date.

Despite the rows of empty seats, Hema, who lives in Kent, says she only realised that something unusual was afoot when the trailer addressed her by her name.

“I just thought maybe people don’t go to the cinema anymore on Tuesdays,” she joked.

“It was very sweet and surprising and Hinesh had gone to a lot of effort to speak to my parents, friends and even my cousins.”

They plan to wed next year.