D A I J I W O R L D

Sep 6, 2009

Vinni Fernandes is a much-acclaimed cine, small screen and drama artiste, who has donned creative roles in four different languages, Kannada, Tulu, Konkani and Beary. Apart from acting in three much-acclaimed films, Haseena, Nayi Neralu and Gulabi Talkies that have won national and international awards, she has acted in a number of Kannada movies like Encounter Daya Nayak, Swatantra Palya, Sarkassu, Olave Jeevana Lekkachara, Maunaraga, Holidays, Antharatma, Idu Chakravuya etc., several of which have not only won awards but have also brought fame for her.

Vinni, who is a native of Kulshekhar and presently settled in Vamanjoor here, had the immense desire to exhibit her latent talent on stage. She is the eldest of the five children of Joseph Rego from Kulshekhar here. In younger days, she was known for her fluent dialogue delivery, acting skills, melodious singing and fluid dancing skills. In spite of the discouragement she faced for her endeavours from her conservative family, which was in tune with the general scorn with which the theatre activities were looked down upon by the society at large then, she stoutly stood her ground and succeeded in entering the theatre, by becoming a member of the 'Tulunadu' drama troupe of Kemtoor Doddanna Shetty. She was part of Shetty's troupe for two years, before taking part in some of the plays of Kasargod Chinna's troupe. A few of her erstwhile Tulu plays that are worth mentioning, are 'Devere Gati' and 'Mamigonji Marmal'.

Vinni recalls that the artistes of a drama troupe used to live like a family then, doing other chores along with acting, like writing of posters, cooking, managing the cash counters and filling up the gap of instrumentalists if any one among them remained absent.

At this juncture, Vinni got married and busily got involved with family affairs. Once her two children, Pratap and Pratibha, entered high school, Vinni got time to give vent to her desire to exhibit her talent. Vinni is grateful to Kannada film director Rajendra Singh Babu, who instantly agreed to cast her, as soon as she met him, when he had visited the city for filming 'Encounter Daya Nayak' movie. She recollects that Girish Kasaravalli had said to her, that she is a lucky charm for him, as all the three movies for which he had cast her, have won national and international recognition. "If Kasaravalli makes a film, I am sure to bag a role," the actress of 20-odd movies, says confidently.

The memorable roles of Vinni include that of of a 'Koravanji' she donned in 'Encounter Daya Nayak', neighbourer of the heroine in 'Haseena', mother-in-law of the friend of heroine in 'Nayi Neralu' and several others.

Vinni acted in Tulu movies, Kadala Mage, Badi and Gaggara besides Kajar, a Konkani film. She also exhibited her abundant talent through the roles she has played in Tulu, Kannada and Konkani plays, tele-series, tele-films, advertisements, in addition to proving her extraordinary talents through mono-acting performances and as an orchestra singer of Naushad Group. Vinni has acted in a Tulu tele-film, 'Jokulatike', Byari tele-film, 'Sandola' and ' Nangale Kudumba', in addition to Kannada tele-film, 'Guddada Mane. She was also part of the Tulu album, 'Mokeda Magal'. Her forthcoming movies include Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Bannada Baguri, Tare, Nirdeshaka, Paper Doni etc., Her two Tulu movies and a Tulu soap are also in the making.

Vinni has acted in the Tulu plays of Kemtoor doddanna Shetty and as an artiste of 'Rangamilana' troupe of Kasargod Chinna. She was also a part of 'Mooru Muthu' troupe. She has been a singer in Naushad group too.

Recognizing the eminence of Vinni, she was given the membership of Ashraya scheme committee by the government. Vinni says, she has been actively involved with political activities since the last two decades. Her enthusiasm, hard work, dedication and perseverance need to be emulated by the present-day youth.

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