Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daiiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, Jan 10: Renowned drama actress of yesteryears, Evelyn Marie D'Silva was conferred the prestigious Karavali Konkans Kala Prashasti for the year 2015 in a ceremony held at St Sebastian Platinum Jubilee Auditorium, Bendore here on Saturday January 9.
Well-known columnist and director of Fatima Retreat House Fr Prashanth Madtha, along with parish priest of St Sebastian’s Church, Bendore Fr Antony Serrao presented the award.
The award comprised a citation, a memento, a shawl and Rs 50,000 cash.
Addressing the gathering, Fr Prashanth Madtha hailed Evelyn for being a role model to many in the field of drama. "Sixty years ago women were bound within the four walls. First they created a revolution by becoming teachers. Later they created a revolution by acting in dramas, and being both teacher and actress, Evelyn was a role model to many women at a time when only men acted in dramas."
He also shared delightful anecdotes from his experiences in acting when he was in seminary and as a little boy.
After receiving the award, Evelyn thanked the organizers and the gathering. She also mesmerised the audience by acting out her role of Mary Magdalene in the ever popular religious drama 'Somyaacho Pashanv' drama which made her famous many years ago.
She also shared the experience of her first drama and thanked M P D'Sa and Simon Rasquinha for giving her a chance and also thanked all the writers and dramatists of her time.
Veteran artiste and a senior emcee Dolphy Saldanha shared his expriences with the 'tragedy queen' in the few dramas they had acted together. "Evelyn, even though she was a disciplined artiste, was a light-hearted person. To my good luck, my first drama in the lead role was with Evelyn as her son. Incidentally, when I was judged the best actor, she too was adjudged the best actress. Her energy and interest even at the age of 90 is a great inspiration to us," he said.
The parish priest of St Sebastian’s Church Fr Antony Serrao also spoke on the occasion and released the food coupons of the 50th Claud Nite to held on January 17 at Bendore church open grounds.
The people who worked and contributed for the upcoming music album of Leslie Rego 'Preran' were also honoured.
Secretary of Karavali Konkans, Konkan Kalashree Claud D'Souza welcomed the gathering while Simon D'Souza rendered vote of thanks.
Rashmi Mayola Peres compered the programme. President of Karavali Konkans association Leslie Rego was present.