Alegre Roque Teodoro Antao[a] (11 September 1932 – 20 July 2016), known professionally as Star of Arossim, was an Indian singer, composer, dramatist, director, and actor who primarily worked on the Konkani stage. Regarded as a multifaceted artiste and one of the stalwarts of the Konkani stage. A skilled bongo and conga player, he is best known for being part of the Bomboikar Group for their biannual shows.
Star of Arossim | |
|---|---|
 Portrait of Antao during his youth | |
| Born | Alegre Roque Teodoro Antao 11 September 1932 |
| Died | 20 July 2016 (aged 83) St Estevam, Goa, India |
| Burial place | St Stephen's Church cemetery, St Estevam, Goa, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1963–2010 |
| Notable work | Amchem Noxib (1963) |
| Spouse | Abelina Filomena Antao |
| Children | 1 |
| Musical career | |
| Instrument(s) | |
| Member of | Bomboikar Group |
Antao, alongside C. Alvares, M. Boyer, Prem Kumar, Souza Ferrao, Remmie Colaco, Alfred Rose, and various others, held a deep reverence for the stage and made a conscious effort not to overstep its boundaries. Their timeless melodies have now become beloved classics among Goan musical groups.[1]
Early and personal life edit
Alegre Roque Teodoro Antao was born on 11 September 1932 in Marmagão, Goa, Portuguese India during the Portuguese Empire (now in India) to Piedade Lourenco Antao and Escociana Diniz.[b] He hailed from Arossim-Cansaulim.[3] Antao was married to Abelina Filomena,[c] the couple had one child, Savio.[4]
Career edit
Antao began his career in the performing arts as a female artist in the tiatr "Open to Close" by Minguel Rod. He later became one of the key members of the "Bomboikar Group," which entertained Goans twice a year with their highly anticipated tiatrs.[4] Antao not only acted in tiatrs by Anthony Mendes, C. Alvares, Alfred Rose, and others, but he also wrote and directed his own tiatrs, including "Amcho Dusman," "Bacro Democracy," and "Retired Tarvotti."[5]
In the early stages of his career, like many other male artists, Antao played female roles and sang the female parts in duets in tiatrs. Some of his notable songs include solos such as "Fulus-Sotte," and duets with Mohana, such as "Tambddem Bonder," "Xit Koddi," and "Nirmonn." Antao's voice can still be heard in popular songs like "Cheddeachem Baltim" with Alfred Rose and "Orrad Tarvotti" with Anthony Mendes.[5]
Antao had an extensive body of work in the creative field. He had written and directed 15 tiatrs, and has appeared in numerous tiatrs as an actor. He has also contributed by composing lyrics for songs in Konkani films. Additionally, Antao has showcased his musical skills by playing the bongo and conga instruments for Hindi music. He has received recognition for his work, including several gramophone records.[6]
Awards edit
In the year 2000–2001, Antao was honored for his significant contributions to the tiatr field, being awarded the esteemed Goa State Cultural Award as recognition of his outstanding work.[7]
On 14 December 2010, Antao's lifelong dedication to tiatr was celebrated and acknowledged by the Tiatr Academy of Goa. He received the esteemed 'Lifetime Contribution to Tiatr' award during a special ceremony held at the Pai Tiatrist Auditorium, Ravindra Bhavan in Margao. The award was presented by Digambar Kamat, the Chief Minister of Goa at the time.[6]
Death edit
On 20 July 2016, Antao died at his residence in St Estevam, Goa, aged 83. Hilary Braganza, who hails from Arossim, has been continuing his uncle's legacy.[4] The Tiatr Academy of Goa expressed deep sadness and offered sincere condolences to the grieving family upon hearing of his passing.[8]
Legacy edit
In January 2017, the 22nd edition of the Goa Yuva Mahotsav took place at Government College, and Ravindra Bhavan in Sanquelim, Goa. As part of this two-day event, a special dedication was made to honor Antao by naming a new stage after him.[9]
On 6 August 2017, during the fourth edition of Goencho Avaz organized by the Herald Group, a singing competition took place at Ravindra Bhavan in Margao. Two singers from Cortalim, Noywen Fernandes and Thrizel D'Souza, captivated the audience with their rendition of the popular song "Yo Moga Tum Mhojea Sukha." This song, originally performed by Martha, Molly, Antao, and Remmie Colaco in 1963, earned the duo a third place in the competition.[10]
On 30 September 2019, the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) organized a special program called 'Somplolea Tiatristancho Ugddas' at the Black Box, Ravindra Bhavan in Margao.[11] During this event, the focus was on celebrating the lives and contributions of talented artists who were born in the month of September. The program served as a tribute to these late artists, namely Antao, Khadda Minguel, Seby Coutinho, Prem Kumar, Peter D'Costa, Philomena Braz, Remmie Colaço, Rosalia Rodrigues, Inacio Rosario Luis (Jal), and Arnaldo Da Costa.[12]
Filmography edit
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Amchem Noxib | Actor/Singer | [8] |
| 1967 | Sukhachem Sopon | Composer | [8] |
Selected stage works edit
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open to Close | Female Artist | Debut Tiatr[4] | |
| Tarvachi Viaj | Writer | ||
| Ganv Bhav | Writer | ||
| Fulgoddem | Writer | ||
| Xetkamti | Writer | ||
| Dorji Camil | Writer | ||
| Kuddmi Onton | Writer | ||
| Retired Tarvotti | Writer/Director | ||
| Amcho Dusman | Writer/Director | ||
| Bailancho Parliament | Writer | ||
| Korunk Na Tem | Writer | ||
| Asson Duddu Sonvsar Koddu | Writer | ||
| Bacro Democracy | Writer/Director |
Further reading edit
Notes edit
- ^ Alternatively spelt as Alegro Roque Theodorio Antao in some publications.
- ^ Antao's birthplace has been reported incorrectly in some publications. According to his official birth certificate, he was born in the city of Mormugao. However, the certificate itself was registered in the village of Majorda, which is 4.8 km (3.0 mi) away from the separate villages of Arossim and Cansaulim.[2]
- ^ Abelina is also spelt as Avelina, according to O Heraldo.
References edit
- ^ "Fraternity, lovers condemn assault on tiatrist". oHeraldo. Archived from the original on 2023-08-10. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ "Registo De Nascimento". Goa Online. 30 June 2006. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
- ^ 100 Years of Konkani Tiatro. Government of Goa, Directorate of Art & Culture. 2000. Archived from the original on 2023-08-10. Retrieved 2023-08-09.
- ^ a b c d Herald, Team (21 July 2016). "Star of Arossim no more". O Heraldo. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
- ^ a b Desk, N. T. (2019-09-29). "TAG to remember yesteryears artistes on September 30 – The Navhind Times". Retrieved 2023-08-09.
- ^ a b "Panaji: Tiatr Academy Goa to Honour 11 Tiatr Artistes on Dec 14". www.daijiworld.com. Archived from the original on 2023-08-10. Retrieved 2023-08-09.
- ^ "Recipients of Goa State Cultural Award" (PDF). Directorate of Art and Culture. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 August 2022. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
- ^ a b c Times, Navhind (2016-07-24). "Alegro Roque Theodorio Antao: Star of Arossim – The Navhind Times". Archived from the original on 2023-08-10. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ Desk, N. T. (2017-01-13). "Promoting 'Goan identity' at 22nd Goa Yuva Mahotsav | The Navhind Times". Archived from the original on 2021-04-11. Retrieved 2023-08-11.
- ^ "Kalliz vhelem chorum...Canacona's Reha steals audience hearts at Goencho Avaz". oHeraldo. Archived from the original on 2023-08-10. Retrieved 2023-08-09.
- ^ Desk, N. T. (2019-09-29). "TAG to remember yesteryears artistes on September 30 – The Navhind Times". Retrieved 2023-08-10.
- ^ Desk, N. T. (2019-10-06). "Late tiatr artistes remembered – The Navhind Times". Archived from the original on 2023-08-10. Retrieved 2023-08-10.