Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 22: Muhurat of Konkani comedy drama ‘Shikaregar’ was held on Monday, August 21 at Don Bosco hall in the city. The drama, written by Richie John Pais, is directed by John Permannur and produced by Alwyn Tauro Ruzai.
Fr J B Crasta from Rosario Cathedral, Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza from Konkani Natak Sabha, entrepreneur Titus Noronha, Daijiworld media editor-in-chief Walter Nandalike, John Permannur, Richie John Pais and Alwyn Tauro graced the dais during the Muhurat.
Fr J B Crasta conducted the prayers and said, “Writers and dramatists have the capabilities to bring about change in the society. I want to see artistes and creative people to contribute positively for the betterment of the community. That is their responsibility too. I wish the team all the best.”
All the dignitaries lighted the lamp signaling the Muhurat. Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza unveiled the drama script and handed it over to John Permannur.
Jeevan Vas, Usha Fernandes, Nigel Pereira, Roshan Lasrado, Hanley Coelho, Roshan Lobo and Steffi Pereira are acting in the drama. Denzil Pereira is the music director. Chris Electronics will provide sounds and lights while Harish Pandeshwar is the makeup man. Steven Fernandes will do the stage design while Jerry Concessao will render special help.
John Permannur said, “In the past four decades, I have tried my best to give to Konkani stage. Many times I have succeeded, but a few times I have failed. But when we have a good script and team, we always triumph. I am happy to direct this comedy drama. It has all the characteristics of a laughter riot for the entire duration of the play. Yet it is actors’ drama. I am grateful to the team for asking me to direct this.”
Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza said, “Konkani speaking people is a small community. We are still trying to enter the mainstream. While we grow, we need to look at one another with utmost love. We should see the positives in art first. Then we can always see the negatives. We should bring both these things to the notice of dramatists in a right way. That helps them to improve the quality of dramas. Just using the social media to come down on others will not help anyone.”
Walter Nandalike said that he was happy to watch five dramas at the venue in the recent past which he enjoyed very much. “I am an actor. I started acting early in life. But then I was away from it for years. I started again some years back and was part of a Konkani drama which had 9 shows in different places. I played the lead role there. Going by the quality of dramas and professionalism these days, I feel like acting in them. I am made to believe that the ‘Golden Era’ of Konkani dramas has begun again. I wish all the best to this comedy drama.”
Titus Noronha recollected his childhood days when he watched dramas in villages. “We longed to see dramas those days and very few were staged then. The number of dramas went up over the years especially in taluk centers like Moodbidri. I managed to watch many of Tulu and Kannada dramas. I later watched many Konkani stage plays. Some of them were good while others were not. But I feel that great dramas are not in abundance in Konkani language. We should increase the number of quality plays in tune with the quantity. Business houses and church associations too should play bigger role in promoting dramas because their promotion helps in preserving the language and culture.”
Earlier Richie John Pais welcomed, briefed about ‘Shikaregar’ and said, “Criticism in right time and through right medium always helps the stage. But doing it just to hurt the dramatists is of no use to anyone. After two dramas in the recent past, one being social and one being Biblical, I am trying to give a full comedy because that is my forte. I thank the supporters who have brought me to this level.”
Alwyn Tauro proposed the vote of thanks. Vincy Pinto Angelore compered.
Some people who had encouraged the dramas written by Richie John Pais in the past were honoured which included Pascal Pinto, Melvyn Rodrigues, Richard Moras, Alwyn Pinto and Arthur Rasquinha.
Nearly 150 drama enthusiasts attended the Muhurat which included senior actors and directors.