Titta Pretto

Titta Pretto

Tito Mathias Estaphania Preto, a senior tiatr artiste from Aldona, popularly known as Titta Preto, was born on 4th January, 1933. The Preto family moved to Dhobi Talao, Mumbai when Titta was in his teens.

While in Mumbai when he watched his 30 years senior co-villager J.P. Souzalin’s tiatr “Poilea Cheddeacho Baltim”, he noticed his another co-villager Alfred Rose rendering a solo song. He was so impressed with his performance that there and then he decided to make career as a Tiatrist. He first stepped on the Tiatr stage at the age of 15 in a Tiatr written by Frank de St. Cruz. He got ample opportunities to watch tiatrs staged by senior tiatrists of Mumbai. Some tiatr artistes from among Goans settled in Karachi used to come to Mumbai with their tiatrs, one amongst them being Ambrose Fernandes who took his stage name as A. M. B. Rose (father of Alfred Rose). Titta’s uncle arranged him a job in Royal Bombay Yatch Club near Gateway of India. Thereafter, he joined the famous Ritz Hotel near Churchgate which housed the Italian Expresso Coffee Bar. This place was frequented by Bollywood

actors like Nargis, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, etc. Titta used to get tips from these actors for providing service to them which he used to save. With these savings, Titta assisted A. M. Bengalu to put up his tiatr “Chikott ani Pankott’ in which he acted in a comedy role with perfection. Thereafter, many Directors took him in their tiatrs and thus there was no looking back for Titta.

In 1950, he brought out his first Tiatr “Atanchim Kazaram” which was a hit and further went on to write and direct “Soitananchim Tainnim”, ‘Pai Tum Chol Ghara”,“Mogak Lagon”, “Bombaikarachi Bail” “Disgras” and “Kirmidoracho Xevott” which were well accepted by the audience.

Titta is a versatile character actor and an ace comedian and has performed for almost all topmost directors of Tiatr stage of his time like late Saib Rocha, J. P. Souzalin, C. Alvares, M. Boyer, Remmie Colaco, Minguel Rod, Jacinto Vaz, Rico Rod, Prem Kumar, Alfred Rose, Kid Boxer, Ophelia, Bab Peter and others. He has also portrayed ladies roles in many tiatrs with aplomb. He has acted in thousands of tiatrs staged in Goa, Mumbai and other parts of the country and foreign countries like Gulf, Africa and UK.

Besides Tiatr, Titta has proved his mettle in Konkani films too having featured in Classics like “Nirmonn”, “Amchem Noxib” and “Kortubancho Sounsar”. He also has the credit in acting in a Hindi film “Love in Goa”.

He is a good singer too and has produced three audio albums namely “Goa Amcho Gaum”. “Don’t Worry Be Happy” and “Retired Tarvotti”, which have won the hearts of music loving Goans.

Quite for a long time, Titta Preto has been lending a helping hand to almost all the tiatr directors from Goa to stage their shows in Mumbai, Poona, Calcutta and even Delhi by making arrangements, like booking of halls, stage setting, arranging Censor Board Certificates, etc.

Titta is a recipient of TAG’s Life Time Contribution to Tiatr Award 2009. He was also felicitated by Kala Academy Goa for his immense contribution to Konkani stage. Recently he was
felicitated at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao by Tiatr Academy Goa, Art & Culture Department and 125th Anniversary of Tiatr Celebrations Committee in their inaugural function.

The octogenarian Titta Preto has given yeoman’s service to the tiatr stage for the last about 69 years and continues to serve till today although the age is soon catching up with him.

Profile Courtesy: Tiatr Academy of Goa

Betty Ferns

Betty Ferns

Maria Vithal Fernandes, popularly known as Betty Ferns on the Konkani stage, originally hails from Morod, Sangolda in Bardez taluka. Born on November 4, she was brought up in Mumbai and was christened Betty Ferns by her godmother, Beatrice D'Souza, who was also her maternal aunt.

Betty Ferns cherished a dream to act in films since childhood. A building opposite her residence on Claire Road was home to some Anglo- Indian people who worked in Bollywood films. " This one day, I was in my verandah when some directors came over to their place. I was a pretty girl and they took notice of me.

They then inquired about me and asked whether I would be interested in acting.

But my brother, late Alfred Fernandes, who was a good artiste, drove them away as he feared disaster if I pursued that career,” she relates.

Blessed with three sisters, the eldest, Antonette, got married to C Alvares's brother, Tommy, and settled down in Sangolda, while the second sister, Ramona, tied the knot with Prem Kumar and settled down in Bombay Central. Betty's third sister, Maxie, is presently residing in Wadala.

On a trip to Goa, after Antonette's wedding, Betty found a role for herself in a tiatr, ' Noxib Strikevaleachem', which was presented by prompter Anthony Fernandes and staged in the village.

On returning to Mumbai, her godmother convinced her brother and she stepped into the world of tiatr. " Initially, my brother, who loved me a lot, discouraged me from acting in films and tiatrs," she says, " but finally it I ended up becoming an actor on stage." When C Alvares staged his tiatr ' Bhorvanso' in Mumbai, Betty was roped in and later she found herself in several of his tiatrs, including his All Ladies Show ' Khoincho Sakrament'. His other tiatrs in which she featured include ' Honrad Goenkar', ' Goencho Mog', ' Jurament', ' Axea', ' Mhozo Put Padri', ' Hatantlim Kanknam', ' Duddvankar Zatoloi', ' Sonvsar Sudhorlo Punn Munis Sudhronk Na' and others.

She was also picked up for a minor role in Chris Perry's Konkani film ' Bhiumarantlo Munis', besides tiatr ' Novro Mhozo Devchar'. Betty Ferns reveals that Prem Kumar penned tiatrs with good roles for her; ' Jivit Ek Sopon', which carried an unique role, was one of the memorable ones, besides tiatr ' Rinn', which had a revolving stage. Shealso acted as a comedian with M Boyer in the same director's tiatr ' Tum Modhem Poddonaka'. His other tiatrs that she was a part of include ' Tuje Dis Bhorle', ' No Time', ' Govai', ' Dubhav', ' Jivit Ek Sopon', ' Vauraddi', ' Dukh', ' Piso', ' Hanv Kitem Korum?', ' Maria Magdalen', and ' Abdul N D'Souza', among others.

She also featured in late M Boyer's several tiatrs, but she considers his tiatr ' Mog, Kazar, Divors' as the best as she had a good role in it. Some of their other tiatrs together are ' Bhurgem ani Bhangar', ' Adim Tem Atam Hem' and ' Sounsar Sudhorlo', among others.

Betty Ferns had a good role in late Remmie Colaco's tiatr ' Ghorachem Sukh' Part I & II, besides a memorable role of a pickpocket in Mendes Brothers' tiatr ' Bomboicho Dada' and a comedy role with Mendes Brothers in tiatrs ' Dharunn Vhoddil' and ‘ Ghuttachi Battli’. She also featured in Mike Mehta's noted tiatr ' Grant Road' wherein she had only two entries as a prostitute, but received applause and appreciation from the audience.

Betty Ferns was also fortunate to act in tiatrs staged by Robin Vaz, Star of Arossim, Kid Boxer, Anthony Colaco, Jacint Vaz, Samuel Carvalho, Dominic Fernandes, Menino de Bandar, Rosario Rodrigues and Rosario Dias. In 1978, when Betty Ferns penned her own tiatr, ' Maim Konnank Zai', and it was staged at three different places in Mumbai, it was an instant hit and ran to a packed house, surprising contractor Michael Correia.

Betty Ferns was the first Mumbai artiste to act in Rosario Rodrigues's khell tiatr ' Ekech Ratri Ami Fator'. She also featured in late Bab Peter's tiatrs ' Maink Zai Punn Paik Naka', ' Mijeas' and several others, besides Rico Rod's tiatr ' Zogzogta Tem Bhangar Nhoi’ and others.

Under Ambika Films, Betty Ferns also featured in Das Konkani film ' Girestkai', besides acting in Chris/ Meena's tiatr ' Anvddo'. She last appeared in Dominic Fernandes's tiatr ' Amchem Khoim Chukta, Sodhun Kadd'. Although Betty Ferns feels more comfortable and confident in acting rather than singing, she has rendered duets with C Alvares, Bab Peter, Prem Kumar, Young Mendes, H Briton, Robin Vaz, Francis de Parra, Joe Rose and trios with Anthony San. She also acted in Joe Rose’s tiatrs ‘ Ekuch Rogot’, ‘ Sun Nhoim Sunnem’, ‘ Dev Konnacho’ and others.

Now in her seventies, Mumbai- based Betty Ferns is still active on stage and would like to continue rendering her acting skills as and when required. She was recently felicitated in Mumbai for her immense contribution in tiatr by the 125th Tiatr Celebrations Committee.

I t was in one of Jacinto Vaz's tiatrs where Betty Ferns was offered a role which received instant negative criticism from the audience. " Spectators hooted at me," she says, " and I was in tears. M Boyer, Jacint Vaz and Remmie Colaco encouraged me backstage, reassuring me that it was a good role and there was no reason to weep." But when the same audience came to the green room and complimented me for the role, it was a boost to my confidence.

Profile Courtesy: Pio EstEvEs in Herald

Edwin D'Costa

EDWIN D’COSTA
Real Name: Antonio Edwin D'Costa

Stage Name: Edwin D'Costa

Date of Birth: 13th December 1963 Margao

Antonio Edwin D’Costa, popularly known as Edwin D’Costa was born on 13th December 1963 in Margao, Salcete, Goa to Mr. Jose Felipe D’Costa and Mrs. Filomena Inacinha Fernandes. Edwin was very fond of music and poetry right from his childhood. At the age of thirteen, he penned his first poem which was well appreciated by his teachers in the school. His first entry on a stage in a programme organised by Legion of Mary from his village Nuvem Parish won him first place. After that he never looked back.

As new concept of One Act Play Competitions was just making its debut in Goa in late 70’s. This was a golden opportunity for Edwin. He wrote a play entitled, ‘Upyogi’ on disability and participated with great enthusiasm. To his astonishment, he won the first place. Later, with this play he took part in competitions at various places in Goa. That year at 10 places his play bagged first prize and second at four places. He was also awarded for Best Director for the same play.

Edwin gradually started writing poetry and write-ups for various local Konkani publications. In the year 1979, he published his first book of poetry entitled ‘Vattsur’ and later in the year 1980 he released a Konkani audio album ‘Goencho Avaz’ which became an instant hit. The music for this album was composed by Maestro Josinho which was his first. The reputed singers like Young Chico, C. D’Silva, Querobina, Conny M lend their voices for this album.

The talent of young Edwin did not go unnoticed. Veteran tiatr artiste, Late C. Alvares introduced him on a Professional stage in his Tiatr ‘Mosteponn’ in which Edwin sang his own composed songs. The encouragements received from senior tiatrists like Prem Kumar, Succurine and others gave further boost to his talent. Later on he went on taking part in more than hundred tiatrs mostly singing his originally composed songs. He brushed shoulders with stalwarts of tiatr like M. Boyer, C. Alvares, Robin Vaz, Jacinto Vaz, Airistides Dias, Mendes Bros, Wilmix (Wilson) and many others.

He started recording his own songs and became more popular because of audio albums. Later he sang and contributed his compositions to many production houses like Wilmix-Sharon Productions, Dinfa Music, Manfa Music, United Quality Productions, Cat Music, V.P Sinaris, Prince Jacob to name a few. Truly Edwin became a household name since then.

In 1986 Edwin started his own production house known as ED Productions which gave number of hit albums like ‘Postman’, ‘Dolle’ (a drama released on audio cassette) which made a record breaking sale then. It sold more than 24,000 copies followed by many other albums like ‘Fator’, ‘Mother Theresa’, ‘Livrament Saibin’ etc. His mother and late brother Simon assisted and supported him in his endeavours. So far, Edwin is having a total of 81 albums to his credit and many more are in the pipeline. His aim is to complete a Century of Albums.

He introduced and promoted many a new talent in the field some of whom have made it to the top of the chart. Enthusiastic Edwin is the first person to market his audio albums by putting stalls at village feast fairs all over Goa. He created a record by releasing 12 cassettes in a single year in 1995 namely ‘Anj Bodvo’, ‘Mahatma Gandhi’, ‘Fator’, ‘Bhangar’, ‘Burgem Nuim Nustem’, ‘Dennem’, ‘Dhorji’, ‘Aimori’, ‘Ful’, ‘Livrament Saibinn’, ‘Fr. Savio’, ‘Dubau’ and ‘St. Francis Xavier’.

Although later on Edwin left for UAE for better prospects, he kept his ED Production house running. In U.A.E ( Ras Al Kahimah) in the year 2006, he organised a musical show in remembrance of legend Alfred Rose which was a big success. Edwin kept his passion for Konkani kantaram alive in UAE also. In the year 2007 he along with other two talented singers based in UAE, Anthony de Nuvem and Manuxin formed a trio which was baptised as ‘Dubai Trio’. This trio is very popular amongst the Tiatr lovers in Gulf and they sing in almost all dramas staged in the desert countries.
 So far Edwin has composed more than 10,000 Kantaram, and famous singers of yesteryears to present generation like M. Boyer, Alfred Rose, Romeo Mendes, Betty Naz, Lorna, Peter V. Fernandes, Nephie Rod, Antonette Mendes, Anthony San, Sucurrine, Titta, Betty Naz, Felcy, Peter Roshan, Lawry, Cielda Pereira, etc. have sung songs composed by him.

Many reputed organisations felicitated him for his outstanding contributions to the field of Konkani music including Sharjah Goan Community, U.A.E and Bahrain Goans. The Oman Goan Committee even gave him a title of ‘Master Composer’. His love for the Konkani Mother tongue and Goa is inseparable.

Profile Courtesy: Tiatr Academy of Goa

Jesus Antao

COMEDIAN JESUS

Real Name: Jose Jesus Marcelino Antao

Stage Name: Comedian Jesus

Date of Birth: 22nd July 1963 Chinchinim Goa

Comedian Jesus Antao’s first stint on commercial tiar stage was when George Fernandes gave him a break in his non-stop show ‘Dusman’ in the year 1982. The show had a successful run of over 50 shows in all over Goa. Here Comedian Jesus got a golden opportunity to showcase his acting talent in a commercial tiatr. His performance was noticed by playwright Meninio de Bandar who immediately roped him into his troupe for ‘Deodita’ in 1984. This was followed by ‘Succorina’ (in the same year), which became the first non-stop show in tiatr history to cross the double century mark, thus fortifying Antao’s position as one of the most promising comedians on the stage. Then Goa’s famed playwright, late Rosario Rodrigues cast him into his all-time hit ‘Fulam ani Kolle’ (1987) and he continued in his troupe for several seasons. Thereafter there was no looking back for young, enthusiastic Jesus Antao and he went on to become a household name, a comedian to reckon with.

At the peak of this acting career, misfortune struck him. On February 15, 1990, when returning home after a late night show at Ponda, Antao met with a severe road accident that seriously injured him. He lay in coma for 38 days with severe head injuries and multiple leg fractures. After a miraculous recovery, he took a break from the stage for one full year before making a comeback in Rosario’s show ‘Anik Ek Mhoino’.

He has also acted for A. M. Pacheco, Roseferns, Mike Mehta, Vitorin Pereira, late Rosario Dias, late Christopher Leitao and many others. Comedian Jesus Antao is a much sought after actor for his natural flair for comedy and still going great guns.

Comedian Jesus Antao has released 5 audio albums namely

1. Hanv MP

2. Saguvad

3. Money Order

4. Repeat Repeat

5. Holiday

He also has 4 Comedy Video albums to his credit:

1. Aashirvad

2. Budvont Jackinas

3. Hansot Rau

4. Fottkiro Agent

Socorrinha Fizardo - Succurine

Real Name: Socorrinha Fizardo

Stage Name: Succurine

Date of Birth: 31st August 1950 - Goa

Socorrinha Fizardo, one of the most versatile female artiste of the tiatr stage, popularly known as Succurine, was born on 31st August, 1950. Originally hailing from Ribandar, her father Ligorio D’Mello, also a popular lyricist/actor and mother Natalina Fernandes were settled at Sewree in Mumbai.

Her father staged his first drama written and directed by himself entitled ‘Poileo Char Vostu’ in which she performed. Thereafter, she acted in many tiatrs of well- known dramatists like M.Boyer’s ‘Sounsar Sudorlo’, Alfred Rose’s ‘Angounechi Vokol’, Prem Kumar’s ‘Khoto Poiso’, C. Alvares’ ‘Goencho Mog’ and an all ladies show ‘Khuincho Sakrament?’, besides performing for Remmie Colaco, Kid Boxer, H. Britton, Young Menezes, Robin Vaz, etc.

In the new generation of directos of the tiatr stage, Socorrinha has acted for Comedian Domnic, Marian Fernandes, John Moraes, Samuel Carvalho and many more. In many shows, she has imitated M. Boyer by dressing in his attire and singing in his style.

Socorrinha has produced Konkani Audio Cassettes and C.Ds with songs sung by her, most of which were composed by her father Ligorio and Tony Martins with music composed by late Marian Fernandes, Babush Fernandes, Ronnie Monserate, Maestro Josinho, Norman and many others. Some of the titles of her productions are ‘Pixem’, ‘Bach ke Rehena’, ‘Barbie Doll’, etc. She has also rendered songs on about 200 C.Ds brought out by various directors and producers.

As an artiste, she has extensively travelled and performed worldwide mainly in the Gulf countries like Dubai, Doha Qatar and Kuwait and also in Germany, London and Canada.

For her immense contribution to the tiatr stage, as a singer and actor, she was felicitated and honored by the Kala Academy Goa on the occasion of the Tiatr Day Celebrations. She has also conferred upon, Lifetime Contribution to Tiatr Award by Tiatr Academy of Goa in the year 2014.

Profile Courtesy: Tiatr Academy of Goa.

Mini Mario

MINI MARIO

Evaristo Menino Mariano Da Silva, popularly known as Mini Mario was born on the feast day of Menino Jesus celebrated in the Parish of Colva on October 26, 1967 to Joao Santana Da Silva and Maria Fernandes. He learnt the ropes and tricks of the tiatr right from his childhood. As a little boy Mario watched the rehearsals which used to be held in his house of khell-tiatrs directed by his father Joao Santana and uncle Merciano who were renowned khell-tiatrists of their times.

His first step onto the tiatr stage was at the tender age of nine in late Rosary Ferns’ tiatr ‘Ghat Apleak Sontos Peleak’ performed in his village Colva. In the very next year, his another ‘ganv bhav’ A. M. Pacheco brought him on the professional stage in his khell-tiatr ‘Dhag’. He would sing the songs which his father and uncle would compose for him and render the same with great poise and grace. Impressed with his singing and acting skills, Premanand Lotlikar roped in this talented artiste into his khell-tiatr ‘Loz ani Dukh’, followed by Menino de Bandar in his khell-tiatr ‘Vizmit’. As his popularity spread, Premanand and Priti Lotlikar recommended this young lad to Roseferns who was on the verge of forming his own group. Roseferns gave him the much needed boost by casting him in his all-time hit non-stop drama ‘‘Thapott’ which was released in October 1985. Roseferns brought out the best of this young talented lad by presenting him to tiatr audiences as a dashing hero with his power packed performance and melodious voice. His last tiatr with Roseferns was ‘Jem Tujem Tem Mhojem’ before joining Patrick Dourado’s troupe where he made a thorough study of his classic tiatrs. When it comes to song writing he considers Dourado as his guru.

Mini Mario has, in fact, rendered his theatrical abilities to all professional directors including late Rosario Rodrigues, Ligorio Fernandes, Patrick Dourado, Menino de Bandar,  Premanand Lotlikar, Prince Jacob, John D’Silva, Comedian Agostinho, Tony Dias, Jack Ferry, Peter de Benaulim, Comedian Ambe, Filip Almeida, Michael Gracias, Mariano Fernandes, Pascoal Rodrigues, Anthony San, Mendes, Mario de Vasco and others.

Having garnered enough knowledge and experience in vocals as well as acting, Mini Mario decided to pen down and direct his own tiatrs. In 1982, he staged his first khell-tiatr, ‘Nit’ in several villages and it received a great response from the audience. Gaining confidence as a writer and director, this soft spoken artiste formed his own troupe with the tiatr ‘Adim Tum Atam Hanv’. Till date, he has penned and staged around 36 tiatrs, with prime focus on family issues.  ‘Nit’, ‘Mog’, ‘Dev Nhidonk Nam’, ‘Adim Tum Atam Hanv’, ‘Dev Zanna’, ‘Avaz Bond’,‘Tukach Tople’, ‘Mhoji Goroz Kiteak?’, ‘Hi Soirigot Kiteak’, ‘Bhurgim Amchi Girestkay?’, ‘Kiteak Nit Korina?’, ‘Faleam Ravonaka’, ‘Ami Vo Tumi?’, ‘Joker’ and ‘Blackmail’ are few to name.

As for acting, Mini Mario is comfortable with any role entrusted to him, be it lead, villain, comedian or any character. Besides this, he is also an acclaimed solo singer. His songs have been very meaningful and convey powerful message to the society.  Unlike some professional singers who borrow songs from others, this seasoned tiatrist enjoy writing and setting his own music to his compositions. Mini Mario has 14 audio albums to his credit, 7 of them in audio cassettes and the rest Audio CD's
1. Devachi Girestkai  2.Gonter  3. Good Friday, 4. Ronisha, 5. Padri, 6. Devosaum,

7. Sirvidor  8. Patok, 9. Retir - ACD, 10. Padrink Okman Korcho Nhoi - ACD

11. Povitr Pustok, 12. Mhozo Award Tumi - ACD 

13. Best of Mini Mario- ACD 14. Singham - Mp3  

He has also released 5 VCDs like ‘Nimnnea Sukrarak Pavs Poddlo’, ‘Konnech Lozchem Nhoim’, and ‘Sambhallun Dovrat’, "Picnic', "Jesu'.

The legacy in singing and acting in his family is now carried forward by his son Bladwin Charles Da Silva who is popularly known as Master Win in the Tiatr Circle and daughter Ashbel. Mini Mario always encourages new young talent and brought many new faces on the tiatr stage and in his audio albums/VCDs.

Profile Courtesy: Tiatr Academy of Goa

Prem Kumar

PREM KUMAR

            Goans are supposed to be having a languorous personality, but there are a few who have defied this personification. Prem Kumar is one of them. He can be called the reformer of the Konkani stage as his contribution has brought Konkani tiatr to a standard, which can compare with the other regional language dramas.

            Peter D’Costa- (his given name) was born in the historic village of Chandor, a former capital city of the Kadambas. As a member of the Cine Artistes’ Association, a Hindi films outfit in Mumbai, Peter was bold enough to ask Producer-Director Dhirubhai Desai, the doyen of Hindi films, for a role. As Peter was neither young nor old, it was difficult for him to bag a role. But Desai’s Production Manager Pralhad, scanning Peter’s talent, offered him a role of a blind man, which Peter acted to satisfaction. It is here that Peter baptized himself as Prem and set his foot in the Hindi film industry.

            He enacted several small roles in Hindi films like Mera Salam, Bandish, Shaukeen, Hum Bhi Insan Hai, Sakhi and Bahadur. K.N.Singh, a noted Hindi films character artiste, spotted him on the sets and patted him for his excellent portrayals. His performance in Hamara Hax as a Muslim moulvi (priest) won him accolades for reciting the dialogues in pure Arabic. Many spectators were bewildered to find a Goan Catholic doing this role to perfection. The veteran film director S.M. Esmael promised him a big role in his next Hindi film but fate willed it otherwise as the director expired and the promise remained unfulfilled.

            Prem made his debut on the Konkani stage at the tender age of thirteen at P. T. Bhangwadi, Mumbai, in Mhozo Put written and directed by himself and has today 54 dramas under his belt.

            Vasant Joglekar- a noteworthy name of Marathi stage once accompanied him to watch a Konkani drama of a top Konkani writer-director at P.T.Bhangwadi.The guest’s reaction to the scene of a landlord’s house against the backdrop of a jungle scene put Prem to shame. Here started the pursuit of Prem for the upliftment of the Konkani stage. His love for Konkani made him bid adieu to Hindi films.

            His dramas specialize in settings and visuals through the aids of projectors and slides- a new concept he introduced on the Konkani stage way back in the fifties. It is a joy to watch his dramas. He drenches them with spectacular scenes like in the movies. His dramas are patronized by the masses as well as the glitterati as they mix a strong story with powerful dialogues.

            Mortikar showed the fleeing of a murderer through a majestic back-stage projection of a road scene showing the criminal at his heels as is done on celluloid. Jivit Ek Soponbrought the best of Betty Fernandes- one of the finest actresses of the Konkani stage- in the disguised role of a male. Abdul Narayan D’Souza and Fulam ani Kantte dealt with communal harmony. Vavraddi enacted naturally by Prem himself presented a panorama of the rural scene-a treat to be cherished. His Piso is the only monologue of the Konkani tiatrs. The audience remembers with appreciation the scene in Maria Magdalena where Jesus asks her to quench her thirst from the rock, which will fetch her water. She strikes the rocks and the water zooms like a fountain on the stage to the thunderous applause from the audience. The late CardinalValerian Gracias was all praise for this religious drama. The late Y.B.Chavan who was then the Chief Minister of Maharashtra was flabbergasted to note that he was presenting the award to the same actor (Prem) who had acted superbly in the role of a crippled in Angounn.

            His magnum opus is Rinn, an experiment on the moving stage, portrayed a courtroom drama showing a court scene with flashbacks of events by moving the stage from the court scene to the actual events and returning to the original scene of action. The same drama witnessed the superb comic performance of Paul Romy in the garb of a gouio (blockhead) so much that the scene received an encore, unheard of in dramas.

            Although his dramas are big budgeted because of the props he uses, some of them have crossed the century mark, namely Dukh, Kakut, and Peleache Vostuchi Axea Korum Naie.

            He has over sixty trophies to his credit, including the Bandodkar Cup and Gold Medal for Vavraddi, I.G.P. Arun Bhagat Shield, Emanuel Printing Press Shield, Cine Times Awards, Natraj Award by Vasco citizens, Konkani Cultural Association Award, Konkani Sahitya Samiti Award, Prohibition Award of the Government of Maharashtra.

            Besides Konkani dramas, Prem has acted in the Konkani film Boglantt as the hero, which has Goan and Mangalorean actors.

            When asked as to how he manages to enact a role so naturally with emotions he says whilst acting he forgets himself and completely merges with the role. He is never complacent with the roles he performs and says his best is yet to come. Prem, who possesses a strong memory and can recite any song or dialogue from his dramas and films, is now busy with his new tiatr entitled No Time. On the future of the Konkani drama, Prem is full of optimism and believes that there is always light at the end of the tunnel and that Konkani tiatrlike the proverbial phoenix will rise from the ashes to reach the pinnacle of glory.

            Prem who has ploughed all his earnings from films and dramas for the betterment of the Konkani stage needs sponsorship as the production costs have soared and the audience cannot afford exorbitant pricing of the tickets. He has been the tireless votary of the cause of Konkani and rightly deserves help and appreciation from the government.

By Isidore Dantas

Brazinho Soares

BRAZINHO SOARES ‘KALAPURKAR’

Brazinho De Santa Nunila Soares or Brazinho Soares ‘Kalapurkar’ as he is popularly known by Tiatr lovers was born on 24thOctober 1938 at Santa Cruz, Tiswadi.
Brazinho’s first poem ‘Doriachem Ojeap’ published in a Konkani weekly Aitarachem Vachop in the year 1958 saw the birth of a writer in Konkani literary field. Since then he has authored and contributed many articles, short stories, essays, dramas, poems in different publications with consistency like Ave Maria, Vauraddeancho Ixtt, A. Vanguarda, Porjecho Adhar, Goan Express, Vauraddi, Cine Times, The Goa Mail, Udentichem Noketr, Goencho Sad, Sot, Divtti, Uzvadd, Loksad, Gõykar, Novem Goem, Goencho Avaz, Goenchem Ful, Konkan Mail, O Heraldo, Goan Sports Weekly, Dor Mhoineachi Rotti, Konknni, Arso, Gulab, Goencho Porzoll, The Goan Review, Goenchim Kirnnam, Goencho Pormoll, Goencho Fuddari, Jivit etc. He was also Astt. Editor of Konkani monthlies Karnaval, Goencho Gulab, Hea Sonvsarant and Konknni Neketracho Uzvadd. He has also written and published Mogachi Doulot (Poems), Oparincho Jhelo (Collection of proverbs) and tiatrs, ‘Mogacho Xevott Ximiterint’ and ‘Konn To Khunni’. He is one of the few Konkani writers to figure in Sahitya Akademi’s ‘Who is Who of Indian Writers’.

Brazinho’s first taste of acting began in his parochial school days wherein he enacted the role of a blind boy in Luis Gonsalves’ famous Tiatr ‘Jurament Bhogsonam’. He made a hat trick by winning the first prize for 3 consecutive years in the year 1977, 78 and 79 for Best Setting for tiatrs written by Caetano Pereira in Kala Academy’s Tiatr Competition. He has also acted in Anthony Pereira’s ‘Kirmidor Bhav’, Paulino Dias’ ‘Norton Advogad’, Peter Fernandes’ ‘Noxibantlem Chukonnam’ Gabrial Moraes ‘Bebdo Put’. He has written some very famous Tiatrs entitled ‘Mogacho Xevott Ximiterint’,‘Konn To Khunni’ and ‘Bhutanchem Ghor’. The first two tiatrs are also published in book form. In 1982, he won Ave Maria Furtado Award (Second Prize) for his poem in a Competition in Doha Qatar. He bagged Second Prize for his script, ‘Konn To Khunni’ in Tiatr Script Writing Competition organised by Konkani Tiatristanchi Sonvstha in the year 1992.

Brazinho also had a stint in singing. He sang in many tiatrs in early years like Frank de Santa Cruz’s, ‘Angvonnecho Put’,Caitano Pereira’s ‘Kallokuch Kallokh’, etc. He has enacted four different roles in one Tiatr entitled ‘Goenchi Suttka’written by F. X. Dias. He has collectively written and directed passion plays ‘Ho To Munis’ and ‘Sodvonddar Mell’lo’ (in which he also acted) along with his three other colleagues.

Apart from tiatr and writing, Brazinho has got a hobby of collecting Konkani books and rare handbills of Tiatrs. Today his personal library has more than 2000 Konkani books and more than 1000 of these rare handbills of Tiatrs dating back to Portuguese era. In the year 2007, he had the opportunity of holding his exhibition of Tiatr handbills and also books on Tiatr in Kuwait at the invitation of Kuwait Goans Tiatristanchi Sonvstha. He was also invited by Dalgado Konknni Akademi to hold the exhibition during their ‘Tisrem Konknni (Romi Lipi) Sahitya ani Sonvskruti Sommelon’ and Kala Academy Goa during Celebration of 100 years of Tiatr in the year 1992.

He has several awards and felicitations to his credit. The noteworthy among them being Tiatr Academy of Goa’s Lifetime Contribution to Tiatr Award, Kala Academy’s Silver Jubilee Celebration of Tiatr Competition, Dalgado Academy’s Daiz Puroskar, Jack Sequeira Puroskar by Taleigao Songit ani Somajik Kala Kendra and felicitation by Konkani monthly magazine ‘Gulab’. He is also the recipient of prestigious State Cultural Award in the field of literature in the year 2004-05.

Profile Courtesy: Tiatr Academy of Goa

Priti P Lotlikar

PRITI P. LOTLIKAR

Priti P. Lotlikar, (Maiden name, Maria Blandina Arcadia Rodrigues, alias Blanche) first stepped on Konkani stage at very young age of 12. She acted in the tiatr named, ‘Mauxi vo Manam’, written, directed and produced by Late Cassiano D’Costa from Colva. Incidentally Cassiano happens to be father of famous actors Josephine Dias and late Peter D’Costa (Comedian Peter). This tiatr was staged in her own village of Colva. Lively performance of this child with magical acting and singing skills caught the eye of the audience. Within no time she began amassing fame not only in Colva and surrounding villages of Salcete but in several other villages all over Goa.

Priti, later in 70’s acted in the tiatrs of Jess Fernandes, a well-known writer and director of that time. ‘Noxibantlim Khoddpam’, ‘Kallzacho Ghavo’, ‘Eksuro’, ‘Xekim To Zolmolo’, ‘Don Dukam’ and ‘Ti Noxtti Pidda’ are names of some of the tiatrs in which she acted in the lead role.

Born on 4^th March 1955 at Margao to Antonio Luis Rodrigues and Maria Aurora Almeida, Priti is the youngest sibling among eight children in the family. She inherited the acting and singing talent from her father, Antonio or ‘Antonbab’ as he was fondly known, who was a Mestri (Choir Master) of Colva Church. He used to compose songs and sing in village tiatrs. Although he never performed on the professional stage, he was an all-time favourite of the local audience. Encouraged by her tiatr loving parents, Priti actively participated in cultural activities during her schooling.

In 80’s she joined the dramatic troupe of A. M. Pacheco. She acted in his khell-tiatrs namely ‘Visvas-Ghat’, ‘Don Roste’, ‘Daag’, ‘Mati’, ‘Lolo’ and ‘Fator’ which was a super hit. In between, she also acted in Ligorio Fernandes’ tiatr ‘Julias Ceaser’.

Childhood friends, Priti and Premanand Lotlikar, a well-known tiatr personality performed together for first time in A.M. Pacheco’s tiatr, ‘Fator’ as hero and heroine which were the perfect roles made for each other. Later on they went on to become real life partners. Priti acted in seven khell-tiatrs written and directed by her husband entitled‘Loz ani Dukh’, ‘Dhovi Fott-Kallem Sot’, ‘Povitr–Papi’, ‘Rup vo Rupnnem’, ‘Zindabad’, ‘Ho Mhozo Opradh’and ‘Kednach Borem Zainaka’. She played different types of roles, first as a child artiste and later on from heroine to other character roles like mother, etc. She also participated in many plays which were recorded and broadcast on All India Radio – Panaji.

Priti was seen in an impressive tragic role in a Konkani film ‘Mariola’ written and directed by Joe Rose and produced by Darshan Lolayekar which was screened at South Asia Film Festival in the year 2012 held in Goa and further at IFFI Goa (2013).

Profile Courtesy: Tiatr Academy of Goa

Thomas Antao

THOMAS ANTAO

Hailing from Dongorim, Nuvem Salcete, Thomas Domingos Rosario Antao popularly known as Thomas Mestri or Thomson was born on 7^th March 1939. He started learning music at the very young age of 7 from Parochial Music School under the guidance of late Maestro Jose Antonio Gonsalves from Calata. Initially he started with violin, then turned his attention to play Banjo and Trumpet. He played Banjo for the bands of famous musicians of that time like Anton Moraes, Paixao Mestri, etc. Later he tried rehearsing trumpet on his own which he bought from the money he earned by playing Banjo for dramas.

At that time he got an opportunity to compose music for a ‘Quadril’ (a type of Carnival play) during carnival time. With his innovative music, this young talented musician won the hearts and accolades from the audience which brought him a lot of fame and popularity. From here he never looked back.

Once he was invited to provide music for a songit khell ‘Bhikari’ by Felly Lucas on All India Radio-Panaji. There were only three musicians; a trumpeter, a saxophonist and a banjo player. There was a Drum Set in the studio but no musician to play. So Thomas doubled up as a drummer too by pedaling with his leg to give beats while blowing his trumpet at the same time. Such was his mastery over musical instruments.

In 1971 he joined another famed musician Urbano Gonsalves to produce music for Rosario Rodrigues’ Troupe where he served for 23 years and performed for almost 50 khell-tiatrs. He also played for leading dramatic troupes of Peconz Rodrigues, Antonio Moraes, Vitorino Pereira, Patrick Dourado, Fr. Freddy J. Da Costa, Premanand Lotlikar, Pascoal Rodrigues, John D’Silva,  Jeffy de Majorda, Pal Soares, Dod de Nuvem, Joaquim Faleiro, Vincy Pereira, Michael Gracias, Jack de Benaulim, Dada de Maina, Domnic Carvalho and many more.

Besides providing music for number of dramas, he also penned and directed his own two khell-tiatrs namely‘Ghatkeak Ghat’ and ‘Inosent Koidi’ which were performed on the feast day of his village chapel at Dongorim. In these Tiatrs, veteran artistes like Kid Boxer, Dod de Verna, Platilda, Aires had participated. He has performed as a musician for almost over hundred songit-khells on A.I.R.

Besides Tiatrs he has been teaching music and training young talent for many years and have produced many promising musicians in Salcete.

He was presented with ‘Gulab’ Award for best music for the Tiatr ‘Amchem Ghor’ by Rosario Rodrigues and was also felicitated by Kala Academy Goa on Tiatr Day in the year 2004.

Profile Courtesy: Tiatrist Academy of Goa