From Joe Andrade
Bahrain, Jan 8: History was created in Bahrain with the screening of the Konkani film “Padri”, a movie with a genuine message, for the first time in the Middle East on January 6.
It was the vision and dream of Anand Lobo of M/s. Lobo International, after having met the film’s producer, Raymond Quadros during his recent trip to India, to have a Konkani film screened for the first time for the benefit of Konkani film enthusiasts, under the banner of Young Goans Club, Bahrain
The Bishop Tirinanzi Hall at the Sacred Heart Church premises was almost packed when at 7.30 pm the first scene of the movie appeared to the applause and whistles from the audience.
“Padri” is a story of a well-knit family of four brothers, adapted from Prince Jacob’s stage version, where the young widowed eldest sister-in-law goes through the rigours of caring for the three brothers-in-law and bringing them up with family values single-handedly. One of them achieves his aspiration of becoming a priest.
All goes well until a second sister-in-law, who, in her quest for money, pomp and property, arrives into the family fold and creates upheavals. The high drama of sowing the seeds of hatred, malice, false accusations and jealousy is vividly depicted in the film.
The picturesque scenes, the melodrama and the suspense takes one well through the film giving heart-rending messages. It is a touching movie with a difference, being laced with humorous episodes and rib-tickling Mangalorean and Goan Konkani dialect.
The Konkani film enthusiasts who watched the film are sure to have taken home with them touching scenes of the melodrama and the messages they conveyed. It is heartening that the Konkani world has a film of their own tongue that upholds and promotes family values to the core. More of this would go a long way in grooming the younger generations hereafter.
During the interval, in a simple but crisp ceremony, producer Raymond Quadros was honored with a shawl by Sacred Heart Church parish priest Fr Thomas Quadros. Raymond's wife Justine was presented a bouquet of flowers by a little enthusiast, Charlene Andrade, on behalf of the organizers. Their presence in spite of a busy schedule in Bangalore, added charm to the occasion.
Fr Quadros who spoke on the occasion commended them for their efforts in promoting Konkani in the film world despite heavy odds. Also present on the dais were Young Goans' Club president Cassius Pereira, assistant parish priest Fr Vincent D’Souza, Anand Lobo and promoter Ronald D F D’Souza.
It was also an occasion for yet another ticket-launching ceremony for the forthcoming Konkani cultural extravaganza titled ‘Dabazo-2006’ to take place at the same venue on February 23, 2006. Fr. Vincent D’Souza did the honours by handing over the first ticket to Raymond Quadros to the thunderous applause of the Konkani audience.
The Dabazo-2006 cultural programme is brought to the Konkani world of Bahrain under the banner of Young Goans Club by Mangalore Cultural Association and promoted by Konkani promoters Ronald D F D’Souza and Anand Lobo. The show will be staged by veteran artistes flown into Bahrain from other Gulf states. A characteristic Konkani entertaining evening is promised with scintillating folk dances, humorous skits and melodious songs.
Fr Vincent who spoke after the colourful ticket launch, praised the initiatives and venture of the promoters of Konkani culture and wished them every success.
Konkani-speaking enthusiasts in Bahrain are requested to mark this date on their calendar and patronize the show. Tickets are reasonably priced at BD.3, BD.2 and BD.1.
For more details, the following can be contacted:
Ronald D F D'Souza - Mobile 39278607
Anand Lobo - Mobil 39401279