Various factors, including migration, have led to the rapid growth of
regional satellite television channels, reaching out to their viewers across
the nation and even the globe. And while a number of Indian languages find a
place in this regional bouquet of channels in different parts of the world,
Konkani is sadly missing. With the Goan diaspora settled across the continents of Asia, Africa,
Europe and North America, it is surprising that Konkani is yet to have a satellite television channel airing entertainment shows.
Kevin D’Mello needs
no introduction when it comes to Konkani films. He has starred in many noted
films such as ‘O Maria’, ‘MMS’ and ‘Soul Curry’. A theatre
actor who made a mark in Konkani cinema, Kevin feels that Goa can do a lot more
with television. “Goa doesn’t have a satellite channel. Once that starts,
everything will be in place. Someone should take the initiative and
start a satellite channel the way other languages
have channels such as Asianet, Zee Marathi, Zee Punjabi, etc.”
“Content in
Goa is strong and there are original, unique stories which can be portrayed
beautifully on screen. Konkani too can have a new
platform, with a little push. There are
directors who are interested in directing episodes, but nothing has materialised so far,” he adds.
Swapnil Shetkar, the
director of the ‘Home Sweet Home’ film series, says, “If we have a good market, good creativity and content
will follow. It’s a domino effect, really. Goa doesn’t have
a satellite channel as of now. As such, hardly any MNC or
good brands will invest in advertising on
local Goan channels. Once this issue is solved, Konkani can have good
series’ on television,” says Swapnil.
John D’Silva, a noted Konkani actor, is very enthusiastic about promoting Konkani. “There is a lot of scope
for Konkani serials on our cable TV. Someone has to come forward and sponsor
the serials; that should get all cable TV
networks to start
telecasting Konkani serials. To put Konkani television on satellite is not easy
and it will take time, but where there is a
will, there is a way. We have to be optimistic that one day, we will have Konkani
satellite channels. In the meantime, we can start Konkani series’ on cable
TV for the entertainment of the people of Goa,” says John, who was recently seen in
the short film ‘She was robbed on the
Highway’, alongside Kevin D’Mello and Sonam Morajkar.
“Another issue that is hindering the idea of a Konkani TV series
is that there is no proper clarity for cable channels in Goa, and if you
want to get a sponsor on board, their main concern will be audience reach. They would not want to invest in something that doesn’t have much
reach. There is a lot of scope for creativity and content, and an
audience for these shows is also present,” adds John.
Sahitya Akademi
Award winner Damodar Mauzo is a short story writer, novelist, critic and
script writer. He has written screenplays and/or dialogues for five Konkani
films- ‘Shitoo’, ‘Aleesha’, ‘Sood’, ‘O
Maria’ and ‘Enemy?’. When it comes to writing for a TV series,
Damodar says that there is no dearth of creative content for the channels.
“There is definitely more content available for a TV series in Konkani. The
shows can also give a boost to local channels, and there
are many individuals who can write short stories for episode and generate TV
content,” says Damodar.
