‘Fulvati’ marked Bharati Kunkolienkar’s debut as a Konkani literary writer in 2011. This year, she follows it up with two more books – ‘Chandonyo’ and ‘Hovyo’. But Bharati’s tryst with writing began way back in 1991. “I love writing in Konkani (Devnagri script) and have been writing one-act plays, monologues, dramas, poetry and kirtans over the years,” explains this PWD employee, who enjoys penning down her creative scripts during the nights, despite a hard day’s work. Her talent, she confesses, is a family affair with her father, renowned for his writing talent, and mother for her vocals.
Bharati’s writing expertise was often witnessed at one-act-plays and dramas for popular festivals – Shigmotsav, Shivratri, Kala Utsav and the like. Her preoccupation with monologues and kirtans arise from her ardent desire to give children a voice on stage. “ I write these mainly for children, so that they not only have a chance to perform on stage, but develop confidence as well,” she avers. “The kirtans often reflect on the present state of our society, especially with regard to children’s treatment of their elderly parents. The parents are unfortunately neglected most of the time and children only show up to claim their share of property. I wanted to bring this to the fore through sacred songs and poetry, and influence young minds.”
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Over the years, Bharati’s monologues and kirtans have found their way on stages across the border – in Karnataka, Maharashtra and even Delhi, besides Goa. “My monologues are both in text and poetry, whereas I infuse some poetry and bhakti geet in my kirtans,” she explains further.
‘Chandonyo’ and ‘Hovyo’, her two latest offerings, are witness to her flair for writing monologues (one act-plays) and folklore. Both the books, which took around a year to compile, hope to share, in her words, her good experience of life to others. “‘Fulvati’ was released by the Konkani Akademi and these two books are being published by the Konkani Lekhak Sangh,” she informs.
The experience has inevitably been a creative, soulful one for this author who continues to pursue her love for Konkani writing.
(‘Chandonyo’ and ‘Hovyo’ will be released at the International Centre, Goa, Dona Paula on October 15, 2015 at 5pm)
