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