Daijiworld Media Network – Doha (GA)
Doha, Nov 30: It was a much awaited evening and finally when it came through, the audience in the Royal Plaza Cinema was left spellbound. After almost 3 hours of intense drama through an intriguing tragic storyline, when the curtains came down, none in the theatre moved from their seats and after a few minutes Royal Plaza Cinema was reverberating with thunderous applause as the audience showered praise on the entire team of ‘‘Nachom-ia Kumpasar’ (Let’s Dance to the Rhythm)’, who took the Konkani lovers of Qatar through a nostalgic journey that brought forth the life and achievements of many a Goan singers and musicians who remained unrecognized, unsung and unappreciated throughout their life and even after their death.
It was the preview of ‘Nachom-ia Kumpasar’ and almost entire team that put in their efforts for almost 10 years in creating this masterpiece were present. Goa Welfare Association under the able and dynamic leadership of Simon D’Silva left no stone unturned in making this year’s ‘World Goa Day Celebrations’ meaningful and memorable one to all those who attended the programme held at the Royal Plaza Cinema here on Friday November 28 evening.
The film has been produced by Goa Folklore Productions and is scheduled to be released in Goa on December 4. The film is a nostalgic recreation of a bygone Goan era, an era that showcased the musical heritage of this little pocket on earth called Goa.
One cannot but have a word of appreciation to the protagonists Vijay Maurya and Palomi Ghosh who essayed the roles of Lawrence (Laury) Vaz and Donna Pereira to the perfection. Vijay Maurya is a seasoned actor and his performances in ‘Black Friday’, ‘Mumbai Meri Jaan’, Paanch etc have come in for great appreciation. He was perhaps the apt choice to portray Laury Vaz. He brings a lot of maturity and calmness into his character and is character of his so much evident in Nachom-ia-Kumpasar’.
Palomi Ghosh as Donna Pereira was the perfect choice to portray a typical Goan young lady; bubbly, energetic, passionate about her life and profession and when situation warrants, symbol of maturity. Nowhere the spectator would feel that she hardly has any Goan connection in her personal life. Being Donna Pereira required exceptional talent and Palomi displayed her innate talent to the maximum.
Veterans John D’Silva and Prince Jacob are true maestros and Nachom-ia-Kumpasar is a proof for their God-given talent. Both the stalwarts of Goan stage regale their audience with their engrossing and amazing performances throughout the movie.
‘The film weaves its lilting narrative through 20 timeless Konkani songs that convey the timbre and texture of a pitch and rhythm they made their own. 'Nachom-ia Kumpasar' is a nostalgic tale set in the times these musicians lived and died in - unrecognized, unappreciated, and unsung.
A special mention needs to be made about Cielda Pereira, the young lady who has lent her melodious voice for the most of the songs in the film. She had made a big name by winning the Voice of Goa contest and she richly deserved this award. Her soothing voice has the ability to heal hearts and souls that are deeply wounded with betrayal, tragedy and jealousy.
All in all, ‘Nachom-ia Kumpasar’ is truly a tribute to Goan music and her musicians of yore. Narrated through the emotional rollercoaster of a love story destined to tragedy from the beginning, it celebrates Goan music through the eyes of its eclectic generation of musicians in the 1960s and 70s.
A short stage programme was held after the first half of the movie. The Chief Guest of the evening Rev.Fr. Francis Kyriel D’souza Superior Provincial of the Society of Pilar Fathers Goa, Guest of honour Rev. Fr. Anand Castelino – Spiritual Director of the Konkani Speaking Community of the church of Our Lady of rosary Qatar, distinguished guests Glen Barretto, director of 'Everest', a TV serial on Star Plus produced by Ashutosh Gowariker, Bardroy Barretto, the director and Angelo Braganza the Producer of the film, Jack Baretto – Co-Producer of the film, Olwen Pinto Co-Producer of the film along along with Philanthropist and promoter of the Konkani language and Konkani culture Ronald Mendonca, Karnataka Sangha Qatar president Deepak Shetty, MCC president Norbert Corda, Qatar Billavas president Diwakar Poojary, Social activist Iqbal Manna, Agnello Pereira – Vice President of Expat Properties Goa, Mathew Estrancio – President of the Konkani Speaking Community of the Church of our Lady of Rosary Qatar, Henry Fernandes Congress NRI Cell representative Dubai and Simon D’silva the President of GWA.
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee recently formed a special NRI cell under the convenorship of Simon D’silva, membership for the committee was officially launched on the occasion, Simon has appealed all the Goan brothers and sisters and Goan families to register as members of the party and get involved in the decision making process for the state and in an sincere effort to lessen the gap between the overseas Goans and the motherland.
Versatile Reena Castelino, the compere of the evening once again proved that she is the best in hosting mega events with her impeccable mastery over English and Konkani and her ability to keep the audience enraptured throughout.
Daijiworld was the media partner of the event.