Manuel Santana Aguiar (11 October 1930 – 30 May 2009), known professionally as M. Boyer, was an Indian singer, composer, playwright, and theatre director known for his work in tiatr productions.

M. Boyer
Born
Manuel Santana Aguiar

(1930-10-11)11 October 1930
Died30 May 2009(2009-05-30) (aged 78)
Raia, Goa, India
NationalityIndian
Occupations
  • Singer
  • composer
  • playwright
  • director
Awards

Writing, directing and producing more than 35 plays, participating in more than 5000 performances, composing and singing over 1000 songs, as well as performing in major Indian cities, in London, East Africa and the Middle East, Aguiar made a significant contribution to the Konkani stage thereby, enriching leaving his special mark on the same. He also has been a source of inspiration for a lot of other artistes.[1] He often left the stage to a thundering applause from his audiences and pleas for an encore performance.[2]

Career edit

Aguiar believed that drama should not be just mere entertainment but should be an instrument to educate & inspire people to a better life, mentioned about always emphasizing the message of morality, peace and harmony in his plays, some of which include Chintnam Zalim Sopnam, Sounsar Sudorlo, Bhurgim Ani Bhangar Adim Tem Atam Hem, Ghor Dukhi Gaum Sukhi, Mog, Kazar, Divorce, Kazari Put Xezari. One tiatr which was notable was Ekuch Rosto, based on communal harmony shared between the two major communities of Goa. Apart from his unforgettable contributions to tiatrs, Aguiar lobbied for the preservation of Goan identity. He believed that Konkani alone could strengthen the foundations of Goan identity.[citation needed]

Personal life edit

Aguiar was originally from Marcaim in Ponda, and later moved to Raia. His parents were Sebastiao Floriano Aguiar and Mariquinha Luis. He was a talented actor from an early age, and he wrote and presented his first play Rinkari (Debtor) at the age of 18.[1] His parents and principal tried to discourage him from pursuing his passion but despite all their attempts, he never gave up his love for the stage.[2]

Awards and honours edit

Honoured for his distinguished services at the hands of Giani Zail Singh (then President of India) on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee Celebration of Goa's Liberation in 1986. In the year 1984–85, Aguiar was conferred with the State Cultural Award by the erstwhile Government of Goa, Daman & Diu.[citation needed]

The 1994–95, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award at the hands of the then President of India, Shankar Dayal Sharma. He was the first Konkani stage artiste to receive this award. He was awarded the Padma Shri award in 2005 at the hand of former President of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam.[3]

Citations edit

  • Tiatr Palkacho Patxai: Padmashri M. Boyer (King of Tiatr Stage: Padmashri M. Boyer), Michael Gracias, 2007

References edit

  1. ^ a b Wellington Dias. "M. Boyer". Archived from the original on 15 April 2011. Retrieved 23 June 2011.
  2. ^ a b "M Boyer...the legend lives on". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 29 August 2012. Retrieved 23 June 2011.
  3. ^ "Padma Awards" (PDF). Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 October 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015.