Mangalore: Francis Fernandes Cascia conferred Mandd Sobhann Kalakar Award
Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore
Mangalore, Nov 3: The ninth ‘Mandd Sobhann – Carvalho Gharanne Kalakar Puraskar’ was conferred on dramatist Francis Fernandes Cascia during the 143rd monthly theatre held at Kalaangann, Shaktinagar here on Sunday November 3.
The award was presented by Prince Jacob, president of Tiatr academy, Goa. Fr Pratap Nayak from Carvalho Gharanne, Mandd Sobhan gurkar Eric Ozario, and president Louis Pinto shared the dais.
The award consisted of a cash prize of Rs 25,000, a citation, a memento and a bouquet.
Francis Fernandes Cascia was honoured for his immense contribution to Konkani theatre. He has written and directed 32 Konkani dramas, two novels and also released three DVDs of his dramas. His play titled ‘Mhataro Chorbela’ has created a record with 62 presentations in different countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Prince Jacob lauded Francis Cascia and said that he felt lucky to honour him. "For an artiste, it is not important how many awards he has won but it is important for him to win the audience heart," he said.
"I have always had a dream to unite Mangaloreans with Goa and the dream came true in ‘Padri’ film. In future too I would like to do the same," he said. Calling Mangalore a peace heaven as the soul of art exists here, Prince Jacob lauded Francis Cascia for not leaving Konkani theatre despite residing in a foreign country.
Acknowledging the honour, Francis Fernandes Cascia said, "Support from my wife and well-wishers helped me in contributing to Konkani theatre. For a drama to be successful, it is important that there is a good writer, actors as well as audience and in this respect, I feel I am blessed."
Lauding Eric Ozario for his contribution to Konkani language, he said, "A few people doubt whether Konkani language will exist in the future, but looking at the Konkani fest and other celebrations at home and foreign countries, I am sure Konkani will live forever. I urge people to never forget their mother tongue."
The programme was compered by Arun Raj Rodrigues.
The award ceremony was followed by ‘Kenny’s Musical Fiesta’ presented by well-known singer Kenneth Zuzarte and his troupe from Mumbai.
The musical night entertained the audience with various Konkani hit numbers. Foot-tapping songs like ‘Thempa Pormane Mathyar Kurpone’, ‘Mangalore Amche’, ‘Paapsaibh’, ‘Pretty little baby’, ‘Dhoal Mojhe Bhai’, ‘Amchi Bhaas Konkani’, ‘Linet & Janet’ and others were presented by the troupe which received rousing response from the crowd.