Doha: ‘... Nathlyaa Vellaar’ Hogs Limelight at MCA’s Fifth Anniversary
Gladson D’Almeida
Pics by Kiran Vas
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Oct 26: It isn’t astonishing that sea of people throng in whenever Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA) organizes programmes in this tiny oil-rich state of Qatar. Within a short span of five years since its establishment, MCA has thrown up qualitative, complete entertainment exploring various forms of entertainment and dishing out the same to the Konkani buffs of Qatar. But what sets MCA apart from others is their exceptional organizational ability. Each programme is envisaged with clear vision and then presented without delays and major flaws. Whether it is their annual extravaganza or the finale of the third season Gulf of Voice of Mangalore, MCA has come out with flying colours everytime.
Friday October 25 evening was no exception. It was MCA’s fifth anniversary bash wherein they were to confer the first-ever ‘MCA Kala Puraskar’ to three renowned Konkani artistes and activists who have contributed to the Konkani stage, art and culture in various forms and ways. And the summit of this evening was to be Daiji Rang Mandir’s thrilling social drama ‘Aami Nathylaa Vellaar’. And as it has been always, MCA added another feather to its cap by presenting the entire programme with precision and aplomb, in the customary ‘MCA Style’.
It was a memorable evening for all, from the organizers to the awardees, actors and even the audience as MCA completed 5 glorious years of its existence. MCA often comes up with novel ways in order to cater to the entertainment needs of Mangalorean Konkani-speaking people living in Qatar. In this quest of novelty and enthusiasm for scaling greater heights, MCA presented a unique programme that would remain etched in the memory of the audience in the years to come.
‘Aami Nathylaa Vellaar’ which has already created ripples in UAE and India hogged the limelight and walked away with the cake. The full house weekend audience within the Regency Halls here were left spellbound as Dayan D’Souza directorial unfolded scene-by-scene. No one walked out till the end and even fairly long interval did not deter the audience as they remained glued to their seats to the end. Daiji Rang Mandir has brought Ramanand Choorya’s Kannada play ‘Naavilladaga’ to Konkani with suitable changes in dialogues and scene but without altering the original storyline. The original play was written more than half a decade ago in Marathi by Madhosudhan Kalelkar. The story is broadly based on the life story of Navy Commander Nanavati and his gorgeous wife Sylvia.
But Daiji Rang Mandir must be applauded by all for presenting the play in a professional manner. For long there has been a void when it comes to professional Konkani theatre in the Gulf region where Mangaloreans are working and living in large numbers. But Daiji Rang Mandir indeed has filled this void with great professionalism. Nowhere during the play was it felt that an amateur troupe was presenting it. The actors not only did justice to their roles but almost lived them in totality.
The play was every bit what it promised to be - gripping, entertaining and captivating. It was a landmark event as powerful and exuberant performances of the artists from Dubai took the audience through an emotional roller coaster.
The thrilling play unfolded through three locations, the navy commander's house, the court, and Sunil Kumar's house. The third location, house of Sunil Kumar was captured in film format. A climax scene of about 14 minutes duration was completely shot and edited in a professional way by Ashwath Samuel, a young and creative expert. It was projected on two screens during the play. The scene was highly appreciated by the audience.
The powerful and flawless performance of the artistes was the highlight of the play.
Commander Herman Sequeira's role was played by Walter Nandalike, whom the Qatar audience saw for the first time as an actor. He is a familiar face to Mangaloreans in Qatar but often as guest at various events. Daiji Rang Mandir and director Dayan D'Souza must be appreciated for rediscovering Walter, the actor who was being missed by Konkani plays for over 20 years. Walter used to be renowned actor during his college and CYM days acting in number of Konkani and Tulu plays but had given up acting eversince crossing shores in search of greener pastures years ago. He as a loving husband, caring father, trustworthy friend portrayed perfect feelings and did complete justice to the role.
Asha Correa needs no introduction. She is a bundle of talent. Asha is a singer of great repute, an able compere and an ace actress. As Gloria Sequeira, the commander's wife, she was superb. She displayed perfect emotions, showed wit and held the play through with her marvelous acting skills. It would not be exaggerating to say that she also added the glamour quotient to the play
Aphonse D'Souza, as the menacing villain Sunil Kumar, rendered an enigmatic performance that capture hearts. He was at ease with his role and his unique style captivated the spectators. This man surely has a great future in Konkani theatre!
Little master Regan Fernandes as Bunti gave a revelation on the stage and might have inspired quite a few parents to encourage their children for taking up the stage. He did a wonderful job as the son of Herman and Gloria, impressing all with his fluent Konkani.
The supporting actors Cynthia Pinto as Florine, Nanu Marol as retired high court judge, Pradeep Barboza as public prosecutor John D'Souza, Alwyn Pinto as high court judge gave life to their roles, proving their acting abilities and utilizing their roles to the full extent.
Godwin Castelino as Benna and Laveena Gomes as Minna entertained with their comedy in supporting roles.
But it was Dayan D'Souza as 'Nazareth Mestri' who hogged the limelight and won hearts. Dayan is an established actor and perhaps one of the bests to grace Konkani stage ever. He displays exemplary control over his acting, language, stage and even the audience. As much as he had sent the audience in peals of laughter, he also made them shed tears with his powerful and gripping acting in emotional sequences. His impeccable acting and able direction played a major role in the success of the entire play.
UAE's famed duo Ketan D’Souza and Arun D’Almeida were exceptional with their musical support.
Earlier the evening began with rendition of MCA anthem. It was followed by a a dance choreographed by young Sana Britto. Qatar’s young and elegant dancers Rupal Aroza, Melannie and Melroy Crasto, Shawn D’Souza and Ryan Renjar were joined Sana in presenting the scintillating dance.
Another main attraction of the evening was the presentation of first-ever ‘MCA Kala Puraskar’ to three renowned veteran Konkani actors, Benedict Miranda, popularly known as Benna Ruzai, Charles Sequeira, better known to Konkani buffs as ‘Chal’ or Charlie Siquer’ and Qatar’s very own Mable Fernandes Baretto. Though Benna Ruzai and Mable Fernandes were present, Charles Sequeira could not make it to the event owing to his ill health.
Fr Anand Castelino, popular spiritual director of Konkani Speaking Community of Qatar felicitated the actors by draping them with shawl and presenting them with memento, citation and a cash prize of Rs 1 lac each. MCA treasurer Clement Saldanha received the award on behalf of Charles Sequeira.
In their acknowledgement both Benna Ruzai who incidentally completed 50 years on Konkani stage on this very day, he had alighted the Konkani stage on Mission Sunday in 1963, thanked MCA and all the Konkani buffs for their support to him and his family. He stirred quite a few emotional chords as he recalled the difficult days he and his wife faced during the latter’s ill health in the last 3 years and said that his well-wishers and Konkani fans who gave a second life to his wife by looking after the expences of her treatment.
Mable Fernandes, the renowned heroine who stole quite a few hearts in Mumbai and Mangalore during her heydays as young actress of almost all Konkani plays, recalled her association with Benna Ruzai and also thanked MCA for recognizing her. Mable is a long-time resident of Qatar and is a familiar face in the church and cultural activities. She was welcomed on stage with a thunderous applause which proved that Qatar audience is in love with her awe-inspiring talent and loving personality.
MCA president Arhtur Pais, vice-present Jason Quadros, MCA advisors Felix Lobo, Wilfred Fernandes, Jerry Pinto and Joachim D’Souza were also present on the dais.
Hema Fernandes, Wilma and Benjamin Reberio read out the citation of Benna Ruzai, Mable Charles Sequeira and Mable Fernandes respectively. Jovita D’Souza and Wilson Mendonca accompanied the guests as well as the awardees to the stage.
Joachim D’Souza felicitated the main sponsors Ronald Colaco and fly, Dubai and Ramco Trading, Qatar.
Arthur Pais welcomed the gathering and Sandeep Noronha proposed the vote of thanks. Qatar’s best compere Alfred Cyril compered the programme.