STARS OF THE KONKANNI STAGE : SYLVESTER VAZ.
By Wellington Dias.

Sylvester Vaz from Maddel, Margao (30-years of age at the time of our tete-a-tete in December, 2000, holding a Bachelors Degree in Commerce, born to Mestri Camilo and Catarina Vaz), having learnt music under the tutelage of his Father it seems at first played the organ & guitar, sang at the Church's activities & functions and also wrote his own plays which were staged at the Church's premises.

Sylvester mentioned about helping Alex Rangel to direct a play in 1993 and Michael Gracias a director (who used to stage the tiatr competition at Kala Academy and having his own group called Kala Niketan) spotting his artistic talents gave him a break to act in his play 'Vonnot'. Furthermore, Mario de Vasco being impressed with his singing prowess decided to cast him in his maiden commercial venture "Dhump".

Sylvester had to say that, at first his Parents were reluctant to let him act, but relented later on.

According to him it was a good decision for his acting career (as according to him "Dhump" was a super hit at that time) as well as to his personal life (as he met Irene whom he married in 1995 and have a Son). Sylvester remembered the late Fr. Savio who, he considers as a guiding force towards their marriage. He further mentioned about Fr. Savio celebrating their nuptials and also of his having a tragic demise shortly after their Wedding.

Sylvester mentioned acting in "Valltti", "Vadoll", "Xhanti Melltoli", "Onupkarponachem Vojem", "Bodmas Zalem" and "Moronn" under the Kala Niketan banner.

It seems he took a break from the stage to start his own business but Irene continued to act.

Sylvester mentioned acting in the following non-commercial plays:-

Fr. Neville Gracias's :-
"Amche Ghorabe Kosbeleat", "Nach Go Sundorea", "Maka Tann Laglea", "Amcho Bharat Mahan", "Tuji Xokkti Di", "Deu Kalzant Asa" and "Mojea Mogan Ravat".

Fr. Planton Faria's :-
"Goencho Saib" (wherein he played the role of St. Francis Xavier), "Kanteacho Mukut" and "Niz Fuddari".

Michael Gracias' :-
"Moronn", "Mukti", "Zodd", "Moipass".

And in Y2K, he acted in the tiatr "Surya Kedna Udetolo" at the Kala Academy Tiatr competition.

Sylvester mentioned about getting awards for best singer, best actor at Kala Academy and it seems that he sang at the Konkanni film festival in 2000 at which Jackie Shroff and Anupam Kher were the chief guests.

When he was taking a break from commercial acting he mentioned about being pressurized by some directors to start acting again and relented by acting in Rosario Rodrigues' drama "Hanv Kallokant Sandli" and according to him he captivated the audiences's hearts with his role.

He also mentioned about acting in "Soglech Kante Nuim", but according to him this drama was very good but a difficult subject to understand.

Sylvester mentioned about being approached by Comedian Domnic for acting in his drama "Tu Pasun" and at Y2K's end was acting in Comedian Agostinho's drama 'Suseg", in which he plays quite a powerful role and one could see why Sylvester's stage presence as well as his personality & acting can captivate the audience.

Sylvester also played a role in Jose Rod's drama "Tujem Naum Vhodd Zaum", when staged in Goa at the beginning of 2001.

Had to say that he has also sung for two Konkanni films under the Eagle Productions banner namely, "Somaz Zago Asa" and "Krantti".

When queried as to who he considered the best director, he mentioned that as far he was concerned he did not find anyone whom he considers as the best. According to him, a Director should be able to spot talent in an artiste and offer him a suitable role, accordingly. Further added that he found Siddharth Haldankar (director of "Surya
Kedna Udetolo") as someone who could expose an actor in an all round performance, i.e. dialogues, movements, etc. Also had to say that Domnic & Agostinho knew how to guide the artistes.

Amongst the artistes, Sylvester had to say that :-

Comedians - Domnic, Ben & Agostinho, Actress - Irene, Singers - Lorna, Anthony San, Young Chico and Musician Emiliano de Cruz were his favourites.

Though having a good voice, mentioned about not producing his own album till now, but has sung for Fr. Neville Gracias (who he considers as his best friend) in his tape "Tumi Mhoji Govai" and others.

Further mentioned about being contracted to sing with Lorna by the Music Mark Company for the album "Goenchem Ambott Tik" with Emiliano de Cruz providing the music.

Sylvester mentioned of his plans to produce his own drama in future.


@ 2001
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