Well known Konkani theatre personality, Celestino Santana Francisco
Alvares (popularly known C. Alvares) passed away at
Mumbai on 28-02-1999 following a prolonged illness.
Born on 1-8-1924 C. Alvares, hailing from Saligao,
Bardez, will be long remembered for his dedication and service of the
Konkani (be it tiatrs, songs - duets of which he was
famous for - as well as films - in which he acted on premier roles)
during the centuary old history of Konkani theatre.
A handsome, evergreen hero, with a career spanning half a centuary,
he made his mark in playwriting, acting, singing, direction
promoting new talents to the Konkani stage. He wrote over 100
tiatrs and acted in Konkani films including "Amchem
Noxib", "Nirmonn", "Mhoji Ghorkarn", "Bhuirantlo Munis", and
"Uddta to Buddta". For "Nirmonn", he received the 'Man of
the Year' award at the hands of late Mrs. Indira Gandhi for his versatile
acting. He was honoured at the 19th All India Konkani
Parishad at Margoa, Goa, followed by Goa Konkani / Kala Academy encomiums
during the centenary celebrations of tiatr.
- Goa-World Team expresses its deep condolences to the family of
late C. Alvares, Saligaokars, and to the
Konkani lovers worldwide.
C. ALVARES - Memorial Service & Condolence Meeting
27th of February 1999 will go down in the history of Konkani Tiatros as one of the saddest days because on this day death snatched away from our midst one the greatest Konkani stage artistes Celestino Santana Francisco Alvares, popularly known as C. Alvares. Since his death lot of reviews and articles and commentaries released giving full details of his life. For the soul of this great Goan stalwart, Fr. Gabriel Dias a Goan resident priest from Navelim Goa on 11.4.99 at 7.30 p.m. celebrated the Mass at Kuwait’ Holy Family Cathedral which was attended by the admirers of the deceased including some of the well known tiatrists who participated in many tiatros staged by C. Alvares, a few of them were introduced to the Konkani stage by C.Alvares himself. Some of the well known tiatrists who attended this memorial service were Mendes Brothers, F. X. Pereira, H. Briton, Francis de Verna, Rosary Ferns, Agostinho Rebello, Comedian Mario and singer Lorna who currently is on visit to Kuwait to participate in Tiatr staged by Rafael.
In his brief homily during the Mass, Fr. Gabriel beautifully described the life of C. Alvares and his contribution for the development of Konkani language, Konkani Stage and Konkani society as a whole. One of the great admirers of C. Alvares and well known figure in Church Circle Albino Fernandes volunteered the services of his Choir during the Mass rendering some of the beautiful hymns. It was great to see this Choir attending in full strength. The entire Mass and singing was done in Konkani. Immediately after the Mass, the admirers and well wishers of C. Alvares joined together in one of the City Hotels, “Village Inn” where a condolence meeting was organized. Mr. Fidelis Fernandes from Colva and close friend of C. Alvares took greater pressure in organizing this meeting along with this writer. According to informed sources, during his last trip to Goa, Fidelis Fernandes was requested by C. Alvares to take his troupe to Kuwait and Fidelis was moving in that direction but fate proved otherwise. The proceedings of the meeting started with one minute silence in memory of the departed soul. In a nicely arranged Hall at Village Inn Hotel where the management was kind enough to be cooperative, the meeting was addressed by the Chief Guest Fr. Gabriel Dias, Jose Rod, F.X. Pereira, Alexander M. Fernandes & Luis Cardoso. This writer compered the proceedings. Jose Rod in his beautifully worded speech and in sombre voice described C. Alvares as an institution and narrated his close stage relationship not only with him but also with his mother/father-in-law Antonette/Romeo Mendes. F.X. Pereira showered fabulous praises on C. Alvares for his contribution to the Konkani stage. He said C. Alvares was great in his approach to introduce new talent on stage and instrumental in showing the steps of stage to many of the ladies including Hindi Film Actress Mohana and Marathi Film actress Shalini. He eulogized the role C. Alvares played in showing the Bombay stage to him and making him known to Bombay audience. Fr. Gabriel in his address elaborated the great role C. Alvares played in elevating the standard of Konkani stage and showed his deep regret over his death and asked whether his place will ever be replaced. Alexander M. Fernandes strongly protested over the bias attitude of Goa Government for denying C. Alvares Goa State Award. This award is given only to those artistes who are domicile in Goa for over 10 years. He demanded from Goa Governor and Speaker Tomazinho Cardoso to amend this rigid law and at least now posthumously confer this Award on late C. Alvares. In the name of domicile clause genuine Goans are denied genuine rights. He also requested the gathering to pass a resolution in this connection and send it to Goa Governor and Speaker. His request was not opposed by any one.
To show the glimpses of C. Alvares genius in composing and singing great duets, Rosary Ferns and Thelma sang the most beautiful duet of C. Alvares “TARVAR VETAM” (Fortunately I have the full wordings of this song). Old timer Santan Carvalho from Rai and formerly the custodian of Arpora School soccer team, with his melodious violin and music teacher, Aggie Dias from St. Estevaum on Guitar gave a nice musical accompaniment for this duet. This duet was sung in Goa by C. Alvares and Remmie Colaco as a bride in 1953. This was the most romantic and touching duet C. Alvares has ever composed. While showering praises on this duet in late 1950s the late Alexinho de Candolim remarked that never ever before he heard such a magnificent duet nor ever in future probably will anyone compose such a duet. Later on in early seventies, C. Alvares along with Jessie Dias recorded this duet at Akaswani Bombay. Francis de Verna and F.X. Pereira rendered a newly composed song on the life history of C. Alvares. This was well appreciated by the gathering. This writer on his part described the achievement of C. Alvares and narrated the brief history of his life on Konkani stage. Luis Cardoso while proposing the vote of thanks also eulogized the excellent work C. Alvares did on Konkani stage. As a guest of honor, singing sensation Lorna attended the meeting. Speaking to this writer she showed her appreciation for Kuwaitcar for coming forward to organize such meetings inspite of being very busy in Kuwait. Among others who attended the memorial service in the Church and condolence meeting were two prominent Mangalorean figures Mr. Lancy Pinto and Luis Rodrigues. Photographic display of C. Alvares was nicely organized by Aggie Dias.
A. Veronica Fernandes
Email:averonicaf@usa.net