Mumbai: Renowned Konkani Playwright, Journalist Sunny D'Souza No More
Report & Pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (RD/AF)
Mumbai, Dec 22: Renowned Konkani playwright, director, actor and columnist Sunny D’Souza passed away at St Antony's Ashram in Mangalore on Tuesday December 22.
He had been living at Shirva for the past many months and was admitted to Father Muller Hospital, Mangalore this week.
Sunny D’Souza was born in Bendore, Mangalore and retired after putting in 45 years of service with Hard Castle Ward Company in Mumbai. He was actively associated with several Konkani journals like Jagmag, Vishal Konkan, Kanas, Kutam besides serving as the assistant editor of Mumbai-based Poinnari Konkani weekly. He was well-known for his question–answer sections of both Kutam and Poinnari weeklies.
Sunny D’Souza’s first poem was published in Mangalore's Raknno Konkani weekly in its silver jubilee edition. His play 'Naach Konknya Naach' was broadcast for the first time in All India Radio (AIR). He was the playwright of nearly 30 plays including 'Bangar Piklam,' 'Raktachi Jalim Dukam,' 'Magown Getlo Kuris,' 'Antu Kuris,' 'Hasanatlo To Piso,' 'Gatt Far Sodinaka,' and 'Simti Natlo Kolo.' His play 'Hasanatlo To Piso' was a popular play that was staged across Mumbai on several occasions.
He had also directed Konkani plays alongside veteran director Henry D’Silva Suratkal.
Although Sunny had lost a leg in a tram accident that occurred near Fort here in 1953, he continued to render his yeomen service in Konkani theater and journalism. His grit and determination in overcoming the disability was exemplary. He had been honoured by various Konkani organizations in Mumbai. He had also been awarded the titles of Nataratna and Kalaratna by Konkani organizations in recognition of his contributions to Konkani theater and art.
Veteran Konkani dramatists and directors Francis Fernandes Cascia, Henry D’Silva Suratkal, John Sequeira Sakinaka, Leo Fernandes, Clement Lobo Nakre, Joy Paladka, Joker Cascia, Kutam, Konkani weekly editor Henry D’Paula, entrepreneur Albert W D’Souza, Francis Rasquinha, Maxim Mathias, Gilbert Baptist, singer Henry D’Souza, Victor Concesso and others condoled the demise of the veteran artiste-journalist.
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