Hortencio leaps into the tiatr world
What great achievement can there be for an artiste than to be one amongst the great celebrities of the day? For Hortencio Saluzin Edward Pereira of Betquegal from Sanvordem who shares the stage with the stalwarts of the Konkani stage today, its indeed a leap into the tiatr world.
Born on January 11, 1953, Hortencio did his schooling in Guardian Angel High School, Sanvordem and later Graduated in Arts from the Chowgule’s College in Margao.
“I used to have great liking for tiatrs right from my school days and I even bagged the Best Actor award twice while in school”, he recalls. Hortencio’s craze for tiatrs and singing was such that he hardly missed taking part in the competitions that were held in the school.
He made a debut on the Konkani stage in one Jose Fernandes’ tiatr “Duka Uprant Sukh” which was staged in his village in the year 1970. “I was given a comedy role in this tiatr which I performed to the satisfaction of all and won accolades from the audience”, he says. For Hortencio this was the turning point as he was soon picked by Goa’s Charlie Chaplin late Jacinto Vaz for his tiatr “Govachem Ghor”. “I rendered one solo “Khobrank Lagon” in this tiatr which drew loud applause from the audience,” informs the artiste with a pride.
Soon the “King of Duets” C. Alvares booked him for his tiatr “Soumsar Sudhorlo Pun Munis Sudronkna” in which he rendered two songs in the company of his brother. “I have acted practically for all the tiatr directors of the day,” he says and holds Padmashree M. Boyer in high esteem for his high quality script in plays. He has performed comedy role in C. D’Silva’s tiatr “Pixem” and bagged the Best Actor award in Mumbai. He has a word of praise for late Aristides Dias in whose tiatrs he acted several times.
Hortencio has performed all types of roles in tiatrs but what kind of roles does he really like to perform? “I have done justice to whatever type of role I was allotted, but to tell you the fact I like to perform a sentimental role,” he reveals.
A versatile composer of high quality lyrics, he has composed more than 300 songs till date and has come out with seven Konkani Audio Albums: “Avoicho Mog”, “Sovostkaiechim Lharam”, “Rochnar”, “Khobrank Lagon”, “Bapaiche Teag”, “Mondir” and “Kantteancho Mukutt”. “Avoicho Mog” which is 25 years old is the best and is still in great demand,” he says.
He has acted in Video Films and penned and directed 5 tiatrs: “Odruxt”, “Onat”, “Bhas”, “Girestkai” and “Mog vo Raag”. “My tiatr “Bhas” was a hit as it was staged with the professional tiatrists” admits Hortencio.
He has also performed in Chris Perry and Melody King Alfred Rose’s musical shows. Hortencio was awarded for best lyrics in the contest organized by Kala Academy, Panjim this year.
Are the tiatrs really making a headway today? “No”, says Hortencio. “There is no natural acting and each artiste thinks what he or she does is the best”, he remarks. As far as comedy is concerned, he says there is no comedian today worth the salt. “What the comedians are doing on the stage today is no comedy at all but mere jokes,” he comments.
Hortencio is all praise for Goa’s Charlie Chaplin late Jacinto Vaz. “He was a class comedian the type of whom the Konkani stage is yet to find,” he argues.
So folks! Then don’t forget to watch Hortencio in action in Padmashree M. Boyer’s hit tiatr of the 70’s “Soumsar Sudorlo” which is running to packed houses these days.
http://oheraldo.in/node/574
June 15, 2005
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