By Wellington Dias.
JOSE ROD, with his talent for composing songs, writing, directing & producing konkani dramas together with his versatility in playing different type of roles and for whom inspirations spring out on the spur of a moment, has carved out a niche for himself on the Konkanni stage.
Noting Jose Rod's flair for acting early on, Mike Mehta, one of his relations, set the ball rolling for him when having barely passed half a decade of age & into his sixth year he was introduced in Albert Carvalho's drama "NITTIK SAMPODLLO", as a child artiste.
Getting this initial break was a confidence booster to this talented youngster from Curchorem, for thereafter, he played
roles in :-
R. MORAES's drama "Darun Ostori",
ANTHONY SAN's drama - "Darvontto",
Four of PRINCE JACOB's and also in three of ROSEFERN's dramas.
According to Jose Rod, amongst all the roles that he has enacted so far, he rates his role as "Surya" in Prince Jacob's drama "Painnem", as his best.
Thus, gaining confidence and also at the same time making a name for himself, Jose Rod decided to strike out on his own through his first production entitled "Birad" and over a period of time, he has churned out NON-STOP DRAMAS such as "Nisson", "Tumi Jikkle", "Konnachem Aiko", "Pauss", "Satvo Mandament", "Mauli" (which did 200-shows) as well as KHELL TIATRAS namely "Niall", "Zall", "Pauss" & "Goa-Bandh", at Kala Academy.
For his achievements, Jose Rod was awarded the State Award for Best - Actor, Director, Writer & Producer of the konkani stage.
Presently based in the Arabian Gulf Emirate of Kuwait where he pursues a career in banking and puts his educational qualifications (having majored in Economics), to use, at one of Kuwait's leading Banks, he keeps his talents honed as well his love for the Konkani stage alive by producing his own Konkani CD's & tapes, acting in dramas, besides singing for other artistes, as well.
Inquiring casually with Jose Rod as to the reason for his success, he revealed that he owes it to the God given talents he has, his dedication to whatever he does, his penchant for perfection either while directing his dramas (this was echoed by atleast one of his
co-stars who starred with him) or acting in them and also to the whole-hearted encouragement from his Parents, Sisters, well-wishers and his Wife, Judy, one of the siblings of Konkani Stage's well known artistes' Antonette & the late Romeo Mendes. She also sang with him in his CD - Adeus.
He was also very appreciative of his fans and the audience for the support & encouragement accorded to him due to which he has not experienced any hang-ups so far on-stage.
Of his co-stars on the Konkanni stage, had to say that he admired MARIO MENEZES, DONALD, ROSEFERNS, MIKE MEHTA, BEN, COMEDIAN DOMNIC OPHELIA, ANTONETTE DE CALANGUTE, FATIMA & PLATILDA.
He happens to be the only Kuwait based Producer and Director to have toured the Arabian Gulf states of Dubai, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar with his dramatic troupe. And it was during one such jaunt to Qatar, he had the honor of being interviewed by Qatar Television.
After a long hiatus of almost seven years from writing or producing his own dramas, he has put his pen to use once again, by penning his new konkanni drama "TUJEM NAUM VHODD ZAUM", which will feature artistes from Goa as well as those based in Kuwait, Bahrain & Qatar. The premiere of the drama is set for Mid September, 2000 in Kuwait and thereafter will also be staged in Bahrain, Qatar, Dubai & the Sultanate of Oman.
Speaking about "TUJEM NAUM VHODD ZAUM", Jose Rod mentioned that the same will project a kind of different fare to the audience by way of audio visuals, four comedians strutting out their stuff, amongst other things.
As with any talented dramatist who always likes to give out his best, Jose Rod's dream is to someday produce & direct a full-fledged Konkanni movie.
Here's wishing Jose Rod success in this current venture and in his future endeavours as well, so that he is encouraged to make optimum use of his talents for the benefit of the Konkanni stage.
