TEARS OF TRAGEDY QUEEN SPEAK...

TEARS OF TRAGEDY QUEEN SPEAK...

August 2006

Kuwait: Tears of Goan stage Tragedy Queen Mrs. Ophelia Cabral D'Souza spoke
for her at the felicitation ceremony held on 12th August 2006 at Village Inn,
Kuwait City.

Mrs. Ophelia was presented with a commemorative memento by Konkani Heritage
Kuwait (KHK). Click for photo: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gulf-
goans/message/10310

Excerpts of Ophelia's speech on receiving the memento.

“Argam Dhonia Rochnarak!

44 vorsam hanv tiatranim neslim. Him 44 vorsam koxim ghelim tim hanv noko...
ani konnachea adharan? Mhojea mogall tiatr pollenaranchea adharan. Tumi mhaka
mog ani adhar dilo. Ani he idadhir aiz hanv tumchea mukhar asam. Itlo lok
(Kuwait) tiatr pollenar asat tem polleun hanv khoxal zalim.

Zorui tor tumcho adhar ani mog mevot, mhoji ‘art’ mhojea angant asa ti hanv
jivi dovortelim – tumchea adharan ani mogan.

Mhaka mog mhoje articho, Konkani bhaxecho, palkacho. Hem jem dennem amkam
dilam, oslim dennim sogleankuch mevonant. Hea denneacho ami valor korunk zai,
boro vavr korun borem nanv dourunk zai. Aiche je tiatrist asat tannim hem
monan dourunk zai. Jitlim vorsam hanvem kaddleant hea palkacher, titlim vorsam
aichea tiatristanim kaddunk mhojem magnnem.

Ho man mhaka tumi dila. 5 vorsam hanv anturnar aslim, disti poddonaslem. Devak
zai zalem hanv borim zalelim...mhaka devan borem kelem, aiz hanga hanv asam.

Hanvem sopnant pasun chintunk nam, ho man mhaka tumi dila ho man mhaka mevot
mhunn. Kiteak 44 vorsam hanv Konkani palkar neson pasun Goenchea Government-an
amkam man divunk nam kiteak ami Bombaikaram mhonnon? Punn tumi Kuwaitchea
Goenkaranim (...in tears) mhozo ugddass kelo ani ho man mhaka dilo mhunnon
hanv tumkam kallzan than dev borem korum mhonnttam.

Hanv ugddas kortam amchea sorgest tiatristancho. 50 vorsam poilim tiatrant
dadle bhailechi nessonn nestale. Mhoji bhoinn Mona aili. Mhoji bhoinn Mona
zaun asa poili ostori amchea (Konkani) palkache itihasint ani aiz jem ek-ek
ful amchea palkar asa tem mhoje bhoinnik Mona-k lagon. Mona zaun asa amchea
palkachea cheddvank 'inspiration'.

Ugddas kortam sorgest Rosario Rodrigues-acho. Ziateo-zaiteo parti tannem mhaka
boroileo.

Ugddas kortam sorgest C.Alvares-acho. C.Alvares-an sabar cheddvank palkar
addlim, boreo-boreo parteo boroileo. Duet-antcho 'King' zalo. Zorui tor
tiatranim ami neson vakhan’ni amkam meuta, ti C.Alvares-ak lagon.

Mhozo Bab Peter tumchea borabor asa, hanv ugddas kortam... (breathless and
choked in tears).

C. Alvares boroilolem ‘duet’ tumchea mukhar mhonnttam. Hem ‘duet’ hanv tachea
borabor mhonntalem. Tem azun Akashwannir vazoitat.

===
Ophelia: Khuimsor vetai re puta
Kiteak konti heo dita

C.Alvares Amcho ganv sambhallunk maim
Jiv pasun dilear zata

Ophelia Khuim marum dhanv
Tuje vinnem hanv

C.Alvares Melo zalear zuzan hanv maim
Ghetam tujem nanv

Chorus

Ophelia: Puta tum ghaltai khontinim
Vaddoilo mhojeach hatanim

C.Alvares Indiek sambhallunk zai
Ticheach putanim
===
Ophelia Goa sambhallunk zai
Tuminch putanim
Konkani sambhallunk zai
Tuminch putanim
Konkani jivi dourunk zai
Tuminch putanim

Dev borem korum mhonnttam Konkani Heritage Kuwait. Mojea thonddak utram enant
kiteak jivi astanam tumi mhaka mog dilo ani mhozo bhovman kelo mhonn..”
______________

The function was attended by Konkani lovers including visiting co-artistes who
acted in Kuwait Goan Association presentation of Rosary Ferns' tiatr “Ghor
Bandhlem Ghorabo Moddlo” -- Antonette de Calangute, William de Curtorim,
Comedian John D’Silva, Osvi Viegas, and Babli.

Mrs. Ophelia in her speech -- tears rolling down her cheeks thanked KHK and
all her well wishers for remembering her contribution to Konkani Stage. She
said that Goans in Kuwait have recognized her contribution towards Konkani and
tiatrs which Goa Government failed to do.

One of the surprise invitees was Mrs. Ophelia’s Stage colleague and renowned
artiste of yesteryears Mr. H. Briton who is here on a private visit.

The felicitation function started with the offering of flower bouquet to Mrs.
Ophelia by Ms. Caren Fernandes, followed by a speech by KHK President Fidelis
Fernandes welcoming Mrs. Ophelia Cabral D'Souza, Chief Guest Salvador Dias
(President of Kuwait Goans Association), visiting artistes and all the
attendees. The function consisted of speeches, songs by the Tiatrists, a Mando
and a poetry recital.

Mr. H. Briton in his speech highlighted his close association with Mrs.
Ophelia on Konkani Stage for many years in many Tiatros in Goa and Bombay and
admired Mrs. Ophelia for her natural acting.
Rosary Ferns highlighted Ophelia’s contribution in the promotion of Konkani
Stage during the last many years.

Comedian John D’Silva, Osvi Viegas and William de Curtorim also praised
Ophelia for her yeomen services for Konkani Stage. They also appreciated
Konkani Heritage Kuwait for organizing such felicitations and giving due
recognition to the Konkani Stage artistes.

Mrs. Ophelia's daughter, Babli, in her extempore speech spoke on the
greatness of her mother as an artiste. She even sang a verse and a chorus of a
song of yesteryears highlighting the importance of her mother and late father
Bab Peter.

Salvador Dias, President of Kuwait Goan Association, as Chief Guest expressed
his feelings of yesteryears acting talents of Mrs. Ophelia. He fondly
recalled that he used to admire her acting provess even when he was a
teenager. Salvador Dias also expressed grateful thanks to Mrs. Ophelia and
other artistes from Goa and Mumbai for accepting Kuwait Goans Association
invitation to visit and act in Kuwait. He also thanked all the Kuwait-based
artistes, musicians and singers, among others, who participated in KGA's
presentation.

Sanny de Quepem rendered his memorable solo “Tiatro and Tiatrists” while H.
Briton rendered his well acclaimed song “Tujea Ghora Samkar Mhojem Ghor”. A
Mando with a Dulpod was sung by Antonette de Calangute, Rosary Ferns, Sanny de
Quepem and Sylvester Vaz to the music of Rabindra Pietro.

A beautiful Konkani poetry titled ‘Bai, Ami Tuje Konn’ in praise of Mrs.
Ophelia was recited by Vally Quadros, a Kuwait-based Mangalorean Poet.

KHK General Secretary Antonio V. Fernandes compered and also spoke on the
ocassion.
A commemorative memento of a gold plated Dhow was presented to Mrs. Ophelia
at the hands of KHK President Fidelis Fernandes.
____________________
-gasper crasto
for www.goa-world.com/

http://www.goa-world.com/goa/tiatr&tiatrist/
http://www.goa-world.com/goa/music/

RONGAN RONGLO MII - Srirang Narvekar

RONGANT RONGLO MI
-Cursino R. Pinho
(GULAB – Jun 2009 – Pan 23 ani 24)

Bardezchi rajdhani, Goyant Purtugez yeunche mh adim savn Mhapxenchem nogor zaun asa ani ani azunui tem toxem zaun asa. Mhapxem xharantle Su zaite put-dhuvo veg-vegllea kxetrant porzoll'lIeat ani sonvsarant nanvlovkek pavleat Shrirang Pandurang Narvekar ho horxim pollovpak sadharonn veokti, ek porzollit mollbavelem nokhetr zaunk pavot mhunn konnenuch chintunk naslem zait. Aiz Shrirangak nhoich akhkhea Gomantakant bogor Goyabhair ek nam'necho nattya kolakar, digdorspi ani nattkam machier haddun dakhovpi udar kallzacho contractor mhunn vollkhotat. Taka lagun Goykarank borim-borim Moratthi nattkam ani kovtik tiatr pollounk mellttale, oxem mhonnlear il'li-i otitay zaunchi na. Sodanch hanstea tonddacho, borea-vaittak udar kallzan pavpacho Shrirang mhaka zalear tosoch asaso dista.
Marsache 29ver, Gomant Kolakar Songhachea 50vea vordhapon-disa nimitan Rongant Ronglo Mi hea tachea Moratthi pustokachem prokaxon, Vaishya Sobhaghorant, Mhapxem hanga vhodda dobajean zalem. Adv. Ramakant Khalap, Padmashri Pandit Samprosad Sawkar, Padmashri Suresh Amonkar, Sudhabai Amonkar, Maji Sobhapoti Surendra Sirsat ani her manest soire hea dobajeak muzrot hajir asle. Dor eka manachea soirean ap-aplea ulovpant Shrirang bhai-i nattyakolechea rongant koso ronglo, tachea jivitacher adharun spoxtt kolloun dilem. Shrirang-a oslo vixal kallzacho monis atanchea jogant sodunk gelear legit sompeponnim mellonk kotthinn, oxem kaim zonnamni sangun dilem. Zalear Adv. Khalap baban taka Rongshri podvi, padmashri bhoxen favo zata, oxem vhodde umedin sanglem.
Rongant Ronglo Mi hea pustokachea vimochona nimtan anik ek mhotvachi ghoddnnuk Te Bhayi Shrirang Narvekar hanchea hatantlean ghoddil'li hanvem chokasur zaun polleli; ti Me mhollear Shrirangan aplea sangati sohokari nott ani notteancho vhodd sonmanan sotkar kelo. Sumar pon'nas nattkantlea sohobhageleank Shrifoll, fulancho- turo ani shal diun tancho bhovman kelo. Hanchemodim kaim sapp zannttele zalear choddxe utar pirayeche asle. Tanchim nanvam ghetana ani tanche vixim don utram sangtana Shrirangak kitli umed bhogtali tem tachea hanskurea mukhamollavoilean sid'dh zatalem. Oslem udarponn adim hanvem khoinch pollounk naslem. Ji khuxalkay Shrirangak ani tachea kuttumbak bhoglea tich khuxalkay dor eke sotkarmurtek bhoglea astoli, hatunt i1'loi dubhav asom nozo.
Shrirang Narvekar dhorman Hindu; torui dor ekleak aple ixtt mhunn cholovpi oso ho sado monis. Adar magtoleank tachem dar sodanch ugtem. Dhorm pollenastana konnakui pavpi oso ho monis. Mhapsa nogorpalikecho councillor koso lokanchea gorzank pavtalo, hachi zaite govaiki ditat. Atam councillor naslo zalear legit Shrirang bhayichi bud'd upegak poddlea xivai ravona, oxem zaite mhonnttat. Mapusa Azilo Hospittolache Visiting Committee-cho vang'ddi koso gorjevontank alaxiro diunk fuddem dhanvpi Shrirang bariksannin vaspus kelea xivai ravo naslo. Dhondean sora vikpi Shrirang soreacho ghontt chakina mhunn Shrirang aplea pustokant boroita.
Mhoji ani Shrirang Narvekarachi vollokh 1968 Kala Akademin ghoddun haddil'lea Natya Shibirantlean zali. Hem xibir New Goa High School-ant choltalem. Shri Prabhakar Gupte, Punneche hea xibirachem sonchalon choloitale. Sumar challis te ponchechallis xibirant vantto ghevpi asle, tatunt panch-so cholio. Shrirang Mhapxekar zal'lean heram modem porzollttalo. Ten'nanch amchi vollokh zali. Magir ami yeun vochon eka meka kodden sombondh dovrit asle . Mapusa Merchant Crib-icho vangddi zal'lean vaddeantlea bhurgeank gheun gotteakodden tiatr machier haddpak Shrirangan adar dila to visrunk zaina. Goyant Congress pokx zago korpant Shrirang Narvekaranchea Mhapxenchea mattvant survat zali. Mattovbhor axil'lea lokamni Congress-ichi sotea Goyant haddunk bhas diloli. Heach mattvant. Sham Sundor Nevgy-ak Mhapxencho amdar mhunn venchun kaddttole mhunn utor dil'lem ani tem sakar korun dakhoilem. Shrirangachem ulovop aikonk lok kan fuloun ravle. Hoch to Shrirang zo konnachi porva korinastana dhaddsan mukhar soro. Tachea pustokachea vimochonak porxim amontronn dilem ani yenastana ravonaka mhunn sanglem mhunn hanv muzrot pavlom.
Konknni Cholchitr "Sukhachem Sopon" hatunt sompil'lea AI Jerry Bragazan Shrirangak ek Hindu sezareachi bhumika dil'li. Hi khobor kaddttoch apunn cinema actor mhunn to khuxen bhorta. AI Jerry Braganza ani Shrirang Narvekar ekach Mhapxenchea vaddeant ravtale, Onsabhattant. Zait ghoddiek haka lagun Jerry Braganzan Shrirangak aplea filmant sezari mhunn venchlo.
Hea disamni Shrirang Israel vochpacho asa . Jezuchea zolma desak bhett diun ek pustok borovpak chint'ta. Him tachim chintnam sakar zaum mhunn amche anvdde.
Anik ek khobor ji Shrirang sorv dhormancho monis mhunn veokt korta; ti mhollear jen'na amchea desant Janata Party-cho novo sorkar , nivddun aile ani Shri Morarji Dessai prodhan montri mhunn raj korunk laglo, ten'na tannim Freedom of Religion Bill oso kaido korun khoincheach dhormant bollan conversion korunk zaunchem na, oxi bondi haddun Sonsoddent vo Parliamentant kaido korun pas korunk sodi. Hea Bill-ak virodh korunk Catholic Povitr Sobha (church) ani zaite her dhormanche vicharvont ube zale. Amchea Goyantui hea Bill-ak virodh korunk zaiteo zomati ani rally ghoddun haddil'leo. Ten'na Shrirang dhorman Hindu zaunui hea BiII-ak virodh Mhapxe xharant ghoddun haddil'le zomatint pott'tiddken uloil'leacho mhaka sarko ugddas asa.
Rongant Ronglo Mi hea tachea pustokant nattya kolent rongil'lo Shrirang aplea jivitache godd ani koddu onnbhov eka mottea dhaddsan boroita. Vachpeanchea dolleam mukhar Gomantakache nattya kolecho itihas sompo korun ani apunn ek kolakar koso porzoll'lIom tem dakhoun dita. Hem pustok vachtoch khoreaninch Shrirang Rongant Ronglom Hanv, oxem spoxtt zata.

GULAB/Jun 2009 hanchea upkarant.


RONGANT RONGLO MI
(Imersed Myself In Colour)

- Cursino R. Pinho

The capital of Bardez taluka, before the advent of Portuguese arrival, is the town of Mapusa is and still remains such. The sons and daughters from Mapusa has been shining examples and famous in different walks of life. Shrirang Pandurang Narvekar, a very down-to-earth simpleton, turned to be a bright star, which nobody had imagined him to be. Today Shrirang is not only known in the whole of the Gomantak region but even outside Goa he is a prominent artiste, director and producer/stage manager for Marathi nataks (plays) as well as a contractor for staging traditional Tiatrs and his generosity is not exergerated . Always with a smile on his face, he is always and remains a kind hearted Shrirang whom is well respected.
On March 29, 2009, the Gomant Kolakar Songh (Federation of Goan Marathi Artistes) on their 50th anniversary released Shrirang’s Marathi book “Rongant Ronglo Mi” (Immersed Myself in Colours) at the Vaishya Auditorium, Mapusa, to the thunderous applause of a large gathering. Amongst the dignitaries included Adv. Ramakant Khalap, Padmashri Pandit Samprosad Sawkar, Padmashri Suresh Amonkar, Sudhabai Amonkar, Former Speaker Surendra Sirsat and other guests attended the ceremony. Each and every spoke eloquently on Shrirang’s life time association and interest in theatrical arts. Their undisputed remark on his personal qualities and his generosity. Adv. Khalap even suggested that an award like the padmashri as “Rongshri” can be bestowed on him.
On the occasion of his book “Rongant Ronglo Mi” another unique ceremony of honouring his colleagues and fellow artistes of his time, some with whom he has been associated for several of his youthful days. About fifty artistes were honoured with a shawl, garland and a memento to each and amongst these were some retirees in their prime age. Whilst naming them and their qualities, Shrirang’s happiness knew no bound and it was all written over his expressions. I have not come across generous attitude at any time. Shrirang and his family has been proud to bestow their affection towards those whom they honoured and their happiness could be observed by all.
Being Hindu by religion, Shrirang Narvekar by his simplicity considers each and every one as a friend. He assists anyone who approaches him in their time of need without any religious bias. While he was elected as a councilor of the Mapusa Municipality Council, his work and dedication for the community’s interest has been well proven. Now that he is now longer the councilor, still his advice on the wellbeing of his community. As a member of the Mapusa Azilo Hospital’s Visiting Committee, he eagerly enquires and tends to the needs of the patients. He is involved in the liquour business but is a teetotoller to the core.
My association with Shrirang Narvekar dates back to 1968 when Kala Akademi organized the Arts Forum. This forum was held at the New Goa High School. Mr. Prabhakar Gupte of Pune was the main speaker at this forum. About forty to forty-five persons attended, among them 5-6 women. Shrirang being a Mhapxekar stood tall among them. It was here that our friendship commenced. From then on, we met frequently and kept our relationship…..

Being a supporter of the Mapusa Merchant Crib, Shrirang had all the youth involved in organizing a Tiatr near the main square around the Crib which he supported cannot be forgotten. To awake the sleepy Congress Party out of its slumber in Goa, Shrirang Narvekar organized a huge meeting at the famous Narvekar Mattou (tent) in Mapusa. It was here that he put forth the name of Sham Sundor Nevgy to be Mapusa’s MLA at the next election and he did succeeded. To hear Shrirang speak at the podium gallantly everyone in the audience gave him a listening ear.
For his book release he personally invited me and I did make it a point to attend without fail.
The late Al Jerry Braganza produced the Konkani film "Sukhachem Sopon" wherein Shrirang enacted the role of a Hindu neighbor. A mere mention of it and Shrirang happily states that he is a cinema actor. AI Jerry Braganza and Shrirang Narvekar were both from Mapusa and from the same ward, Onsabhat. It might be true that this was the reason why Al Jerry Braganza chosed Shrirang for the film as the ‘neighbour’.
In a few days, Shrirang will visit Israel. After visiting Jesus’ birthplace, he intends to write a book. I wish him all the best in this endeavour.
Another thing to confirm about Shrirang belief in all religions and humanity. When the Janata Party came to power with Mr. Morarji Dessai as its prime minister, the ‘Freedom of Religion Bill’ was tabled. It was related to the ban on religious conversion wherein one could not be forcefully converted to another relation and this was to be passed as an Act in the Parliament. The Chotholic Church and other religions tabled pertinent questions. In Goa also this bill was rejected and several rallies and gatherings were held. At that time, although Srirang being a Hindu did strongly voiced his objections at the rally in Mapusa which I still remember.
In his book “Rongant Ronglo Mi” his involvement and love for the theatrical stage and arts and how he has immersed himself in its colour is well documented by Shrirang. His sweet and sour memories of it are expressed in his writings. To the readers, he has illustrated an historical account of Goa’s Nataks and how he has illuminated himself as an artiste. After reading this book, how truly Shrirang has immersed himself colourfuly will be exposed.

[Translated from Konkani by Gaspar Almeida, Associate, www.goa-world.com
and moderator of gulf-goans e-newsletter since 1994]

The original writer of this article is Cursino R. Pinto which has been published in GULAB issue dated Jun 2009 and consented by the editor, Fausto V. Da Costa.

gaspar almeida
July 27,2009