Doha: World Goa Day Concludes with John D'Silva's Full-house 'Vollok'
Report: Gladson DÁlmeida
Pics: Alexis Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Nov 5: He came, he performed and he conquered hearts. Ace comedian and playwright John D'Silva's new musical play 'Vollok' organized by Goa Welfare Association was again testimony of his unique and enormous talent that has made him 'The Emperor of Konkani Stage' and has led him to walk into 'Limca Book of Records 2010'.
The tiatr was held as part of the concluding of World Goa Day 2011 at Al Ghazal Club here on Friday November 4, 2011 evening.
Eversince his first tiatr 'Vell' that was released in 1996, John has become a household name among Goans both in Goa and abroad. Though he began with series of villainous characters portraying negative shades, his leading role as outright comedian in the 1999 tiatr Úmannem' gave turn to his career. The tiatr ended up creating several records in the Goan Konkani theatre. Thereafter John has hardly put forward a wrong step. His tiatrs are known for powerful dialogues, moral and social message relevant to the times.
'Vollok' emphasizes the importance of family life while upholding value of human life. Today family life has taken the backseat as humans have become more and more individualistic in search of identity, name and fame. Family values that once formed core of one's life are dwindling as the younger, 'fast food' generation's needs and priorities are changing. But 'Vollok' stresses that at the end what matters is moral, spiritual values that are the foundation of family, the miniature society. The musical play had moments of hilarious comedy that sent the audience in peals of laughter, heart-wrenching emotional parts bringing tears in the eyes of the beholders. A modern wife who fights for the rights of animals but aborts her own child, a husband who fails to get love and care from his wife falls in love with his maid, a housemaid who rises above her petty job and becomes pillar of strength to her master when latter's wife aborts their child, Thomas, who constantly upholds the family values, rebukes people when they are wrong, were the leading characters of the tiatr.
While John D'Silva was at his witty best driving home powerful message through his crisp dialogues, the rest of the cast, namely, Natty, Mita, Joe, Anicet, Peter De Pedda, Socorro De St. Cruz and Nato mesmerized the audience with their acting and singing.
John D'Silva was conferred with 'Yuva Srujan Puroskar' during a short stage programme held on the occasion. The award is originally given by ministry of Art and Culture, Goa government. Chief guest of the evening Jaising Rane, noted entrepreneur and social worker based in Goa conferred the award on John and presented the trophy to him. Ali Farabi, sales manager of Qatar Airways was the guest of honour of the evening.
Meeta's first VCD Ávoiche Koxtt' was also released on the occasion.
Goa Welfare Association under the able leadership of Simon D'Silva has been in the forefront of social and cultural activities in Doha. The Association has over the years has grown into a premier forum in Doha giving fillip to Goan culture, theatre and traditions through its various programmes. Simon D'Silva has led the association from the front with single-minded dedication and commitment to social causes.
Guest artiste Simon D'Silva felicitated Daijiworld representative Alexis Castelino with a trophy for his dedicated contribution and Simon D'Silva thanked Daijiworld for it continuous support.
About John D'Silva:
John D' Silva, the well-known writer, director, actor and one of the top most comedians of Konkani stage has entered Limca Book of Records of 2010 for writing, directing and producing 25 Konkani Tiatrs with their titles having a double Alphabet in it.
The tiatrs that brought him the laurels are Vell, Dennem, Kolle, Ekvott, Vatt, Umannem, Sokallim, Menn, Avessor, Bott, Somzonni, Magnnem, Bovall, Kirnnnam, Porddo, Suknnim, Ugddas, Konn?, Vann, Vaitt, Jinn, Dhull, Xidkavnni, Voddem and Nattok. In the history of Konkani Tiatr, John is the first tiatrist to enter into Limca Book of Records and it took him 12 years to create this unique record.
His first drama "Vell" was released in 1996 and the 25th tiatr "Nattok" was released in UK and Germany in 2008 and then it was shown throughout Goa. He is the first tiatrist to receive the first "Yuva Srujan Puraskar" Award by Art and Culture, Goa government, for his immense contribution in the tiatr field. Recently, Multidimension AIDS Awareness Social Trust (MAAST) from Margao, presented him award of appreciation for his tiatr "Kuttumb" which conveys a strong message on AIDS and ill effects of alcohol. He is rated as one of the best writers of the Konkani stage today.
With his tiatr troupe he has travelled to Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, London (UK), Canada and Germany. To his credit, he is having five super Hit comedy VCD films namely Duddvamkar, Fugddi, Jinn, Lofdde and Gondoll.