By Ancy Paladka
Daijiworld Media Network—Mumbai (CN)

Mumbai, Oct 20: ‘Mhataro Chorbela’, the record-breaking Konkani drama by comedy king Francis Fernandes Cascia attained another milestone with the staging of its 40th show at Malvani here.

Coincidentally, the occasion was also the 50th year of stage performances for writer- actor-director Cascia who started his career in 1959 at Don Bosco Hall, Mangalore.

Later, he wrote his own drama ‘Kityak Negar Kartay’ which debuted in 1966 in the same hall.

It was in this play that female roles were acted by women for the first time in Konkani theatre. Since then, Cascia has written 40 dramas that have seen more than 350 shows.

The 40th show of ‘Mhataro Chorbela’ was organized by Konkani Group Malvani on the grounds of St Antony Church, Marve Road, Malvani.

Gilbert Joseph and V P Lobo were the chief guests at this programme. Parish priest Fr Ajit Bandekar presided over the function.

Lavina Pereira Vikroli, Francis Rasquinha, Rajesh Prashant Salis, Philip D’Souza, and James D’Costa, were the guests of honour at the programme.

Cascia was honoured on the occasion by Gilbert Baptist for his contribution to Konkani theatre. Felix D’Souza Malvani was also honoured by the association and conferred the title of ‘Kary Samrat’.

At the beginning of the event president Lavina Pereira welcomed the gathering. Secretary Charles Saldanha read the report while Felix D’Souza Malvani compered the programme.