FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024
Pio Esteves
Popular Konkani songs of yesteryears ‘Piti, piti, piti, piti, piti, piti kalliz hem zata...’, ‘Claudia, mogachea...’ took Goans by storm and those songs brought to mind the singer who rendered them in a melodious voice. She was none other than Mumbai-based Antonette Mendes, who was widely known as ‘Melody Queen’.
Actor and singer in tiatrs, Antonette, whose profound performances also in Konkani films like ‘Amchem Noxib’, ‘Nirmon’ touched many viewers’ hearts and by her demise she leaves behind a legacy that will endure forever.
Antonette’s passing away in Bandra, Mumbai, on April 7, after a prolonged illness, will be a significant loss to Konkani theatre, film industry and the Konkani language. Her mesmerizing voice, especially when delivering the ‘cantos’ on the tiatr stage, and captivating acting skills endeared her to audiences across generations.
Antonette’s presence in several tiatrs and films of yesteryears and her selfless contribution towards the growth of art was immense and now her demise will leave a significant void in the field of Konkani entertainment industry.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Antonette got infected with the deadly virus, from which she had gradually recovered, but needed external support of oxygen. Fighting against life and death during her sunset years, she indeed gave a good fight till the very end.
Born on May 10, 1944, in Mumbai, Antonette Mendes was born to A K D’Souza and Innocencia D’Souza and was a prominent figure in Konkani theatre and music scenario. At the tender age of 14, though she never had the wish to make a debut in tiatrs, she stepped on the tiatr stage in her father, late A K D’Souza’s tiatr ‘Hanv To Tarvotti’, followed by tiatrs ‘Aum To Tarvotti’ and ‘Fuddar’ directed by Kid Boxer.
Antonette’s excellent performance in singing and acting led her to perform in numerous tiatrs in Mumbai, Goa and even East Africa. Garnering experience on stage, she was prompted to venture into direction and she scripted her two tiatrs ‘Obgath’ and ‘Tum Saiba Konn’.
She has performed in tiatrs of several directors such as P Souzalin, Kid Boxer, Master Vaz, C Alvares, Prem Kumar, Alfred Rose, M Boyer, Anil Kumar, Chris Perry, Titta Pretto, H Briton, Jacinto Vaz and Remmie Colaco.
Before fading into eternity, this Melody Queen and noted tiatrist of yesteryears rendered her melodious voice to over 500 audio recordings. Her first two songs, namely a solo ‘Nanv Mhojem Kaiborem Escolas’ and a duet with Greg ‘Mhaka Borich Bhairi Poddli’ were outstanding and highly appreciated.
Some of the songs rendered by Antonette Mendes include Alfred Rose’s ‘Suknnem’, ‘Kazari Bhoinnik Lagon,’ ‘Savkaralo Por’ and Norsichem Fugasanv’, Chris Perry’s songs ‘Por’, ‘Pitti Pitti Mog’, Robin Vaz’s songs ‘Mar Khava’ and ‘Pipirmitt’, Joe Rose’s songs ‘Tiklem’ and ‘Bebdem’.
Saddened by the loss of the famed actor, writer and singer, who will be remembered for her memorable contribution to music and theatre, noted tiatrist director Tomazinho Cardozo from Candolim said, “It’s a big loss to the tiatr fraternity. Antonette has been one of the greatest artistes of the tiatr stage. She was a good singer with a melodious voice and she enthralled the audience, both with her singing and acting.”
Antonette has also contributed towards the promotion of the Konkani films like ‘Nirmon’, 'Amchem Noxib' and the duet ‘Mhaka Sweater Kor’ by Anthony Mendes cannot be forgotten. “Taking note of her capability as a singer, Chris Perry penned a song ‘Piti, piti…’ with good music and Antonette rendered it in style. Apart from cantos, this song is still aired on All India Radio (AIR),” said Tomazinho.
“Antonette also acted in M Boyer’s several tiatrs, including ‘Sounsar Sudhorlo’ and ‘Ekuch Rosto’, and in order to tap her singing ability still further, the director would keep aside 2 or 3 cantos only for her. Undoubtedly, she will be remembered forever by all the tiatr lovers, particular Goans. I pray her soul may rest in peace,” adds Tomazinho.
Reminiscing moments with Antonette Mendes, veteran tiatrist Cyriaco Dias from Calangute said that their friendship grew from 1958 and it continued for years together. "While acting and rendering a hit song on a nurse in one of the tiatrs in Mumbai, she shot to fame, Cyriaco said, while adding that he was her prompter from behind the stage curtain. “She would come dressed as a nurse and her typical style of walking on stage would mesmerize the audience. As a person, she was down to earth, very helpful and encouraging. With her parting, only memories are left behind,” he said.
Recalling tiatrs staged by Prem Kumar in which Antonette was part of the troupe, Cyriaco said, “In one of the tiatrs ‘Angvonn’ there were two, three snakes brought live on stage and they were literally hanging from the trees. Antonette played her role fearlessly amidst the snakes.”
When it came to performances on stage, Cyriaco said, “Antonette gave her heart and soul in acting and singing and her extraordinary theatrical skills took her to East Africa in 1961 with tiatrs by Kid Boxer. When rendering ‘cantos’ in M Boyer’s tiatrs ‘Adim Tem Atam Hem’, ‘Bhurgim ani Bhangar’, ‘Sonvsar Sudhorlo’, she would literally tug at the heartstrings of the audiences.”
Mumbai-based Kenny Zuzarte said that Antonette was very close to him and they were close friends. “She was very fond of me as we have been together on stage in Prem Kumar’s tiatr ‘Tum Modem Poddo Naka’, Joe Rose’s tiatr ‘Kal, Az Ani Faleam’, C Alvares’ tiatr ‘Konnem Lailo Uzo’, Tony Martins’ tiatr ‘Xezarnichi Kombi and Alfred Rose’s tiatr ‘Angovnnechi Okol’. Apart from being a co-artiste on stage, she was a motherly figure and frequent visits to her house and family strengthened the ties. Our last interaction was on Easter Monday and it was only words of encouragement to get back on stage.”
Caraciol D’Souza, a tiatr enthusiast from Siolim, said he is saddened by the demise of legend Antonette Mendes. “She will be remembered for her excellent voice and songs. Who can forget her heart-touching ‘cantos’, especially in the tiatr ‘Sonvsar Sudhorlo’? She superbly delivered each cantto in her inimitable style Her role in the tiatr ‘Dharunn Vhoddil’ by Mendes Brothers was exceptional. May her soul rest in peace,” he concluded.
