Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Aug 26: The Konkani tiatr fraternity is mourning the death of veteran artiste Jose Rod, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63.

A versatile performer, singer, composer, playwright and director, Jose Rod was associated with the Konkani stage for several decades and earned recognition for his contribution to tiatr and khell tiatr.

Born José Remedios Rodrigues on Jan 18, 1963, in Curchorem, Jose Rod grew up in Sanvordem. His association with the stage began at the age of five when he performed in tiatr under the guidance of his relative Mike Mehta.

His early stage experience came through Albert Carvalho's production Nitik Sampoddlo, which featured noted artistes including M. Boyer, Remmie Colaço and Jacinto Vaz. Jose Rod subsequently performed in several non-stop shows, displaying his skills as both an actor and singer.

His talent soon brought him opportunities to work with several leading names in Konkani tiatr. Prince Jacob cast him in Pinzrem, in which Jose Rod played the role of a 70-year-old villain despite being only around 20 years old.

He later appeared in productions including Kagot and Painnem. He also worked with Roseferns in Dovo Kavllo, Girann and Jem Tujem Tem Mhojem.

Jose Rod subsequently joined hands with Anthony San to co-write and produce Bhiradd and Punn Kiteak?, before establishing himself as an independent writer and director.

One of his notable productions, Mauli, achieved a major milestone by completing 2,018 performances, reflecting his popularity among Konkani theatre audiences.

Apart from theatre, Jose Rod made a significant contribution to Konkani music. He released nine audio albums, including Menin Jezu, Angounn, Tarvotti, Adeus, Suskar, Sopnam, Govai, Teag and Noman.

His 2005 album Noman featured 12 songs composed and performed by him.

Anthony Barbosa, president of the Tiatr Academy of Goa, described Jose Rod's death as a major loss to the Konkani tiatr fraternity.

"Jose Rod was a truly versatile artiste who made his presence felt as an actor, singer, composer, writer and director. He dedicated a major part of his life to Konkani tiatr and entertained generations of audiences. His contribution and commitment to the art form will remain part of the history of Goan tiatr. On behalf of the Tiatr Academy of Goa, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers," Barbosa said.

Jose Rod leaves behind a rich legacy of theatrical and musical works that will continue to be remembered by generations of Konkani tiatr lovers.