On the occasion of his 90th birthday, veteran tiatrist Pedro Caitan D’Silva, popularly known as C. D’Silva, will be felicitated for his lifelong contribution to the Konkani tiatr stage.
The event which will be held on March 26, 3.30 p.m. will be organised by the Tiatr Academy of Goa in collaboration with Ravindra Bhavan Margao, at the Conference Hall of Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.
Born on March 26, 1936 in Seraulim, D’Silva developed a passion for the performing arts at a young age. He began his stage career as a child artiste in the tiatr ‘Apounnem’ in 1951, directed by Felicio Cardozo. Guided by his mentor Antonio Sinforiano Fernandes, he honed his skills in acting and singing. Over the years, he performed in numerous tiatrs and also wrote and directed successful productions such as ‘Hench Tuka Favo’, ‘Mog’, ‘Buniad’, and ‘Pixem’. Known for his versatility, he portrayed a wide range of characters, including comic, female, and villain roles, with authenticity. His role as a villain in ‘Doulot’ remains one of his most memorable performances. He also contributed to Konkani films, audio albums, and video productions, and has received several awards for his contribution to tiatr.
As part of the celebration, his non-stop drama ‘Pixem’ will also be released in book form, marking an important milestone in his career.
Alongside him, Menino Fernandes, popularly known as Menino de Bandar, will also be felicitated for his contribution to tiatr and Khell, including the achievement of over 300-plus shows of his production
‘Succorina’. Fernandes, who hails from Benaulim, was influenced by his father, and developed an early interest in Zomnivoile Khell. He first performed on stage while in school, singing the Konkani song ‘Dukache Dis’. Encouraged by the appreciation he received, he staged his first Khell titled ‘Bhikari’ during Carnival. Later, he entered tiatr and gained prominence during the era of Non-Stop Drama. His early productions ‘Noxib ani Tufan’ and ‘Duddu ani Ginean’ established his reputation. ‘Succorina’ which crossed 300 shows, earned him titles like “King of Double Centuries” and “King of Triple Centuries.”
Another artiste, Antonio Edwin D’Costa, will be honoured for his contribution to Konkani music, having produced more than 100 albums. D’Costa, from Margao, created a record by releasing 12 Konkani cassettes in one year in 1995. Known as the “Fastest Composer,” he has produced over 110 albums and is widely regarded as the “King of Konkani Albums.” PWD minister Digambar Kamat will be the chief guest for the event while former sarpanch of Raia Peter Quadros will be present as guest of honour. Chairman of Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, Rajendra Talak will attend as special invitee. A Konkani musical show of award-winning songs by child artistes, led by D’Costa and musician Norman Cardozo along with other artistes, will also form part of the event.
