Goan tiatr lost a ver satile artiste on Tuesday with the death of Jose Rod, who contrib uted to Konkani tiatr as an actor, singer, composer, playwright, di rector and producer. He was 63. Born José Remedios Rodri gues, or Joseph Constancio Rod rigues, on January 18, 1963, at Curchorem, Rod grew up in San vordem and took to the stage at the age of five under the guidance of his relative Mike Mehta.
He de buted in Albert Carvalho’s Nitik Sampoddlo and later performed in several non-stop shows. His association with artistes including Prince Jacob, Roseferns and Anthony San helped shape his career. Prince Jacob gave him challenging roles, including that of an elderly villain when Rod was around 20. He later co-wrote and produced Bhiradd and Punn Kiteak? with Anthony San. Rod went on to establish him self as an independent writer and director, with Mauli becom ing a landmark success in the non-stop show tradition.
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A passionate musician, he released nine Konkani albums, including Menin Jezu, Angounn, Tarvotti, Adeus, Suskar, Sopn am, Govai, Teag and Noman. His 2005 album Noman featured songs composed and performed entirely by him. He was also a footballer who represented Goa at Under-19 and Under-21 national levels and played in the senior division be fore choosing tiatr over football. Rod regularly participated in Kala Academy Tiatr Competi tions and won first prizes for Ni all, Goa Bandh and Zall, besides winning Kala Academy awards as singer, actor, writer and direc tor. He was honoured as “Pride of the Konkani Stage” by AVC Club, Kuwait, and “Superstar of the Konkani Stage” for his contribu tion to acting and singing. Rod is survived by his wife Judy Rodrigues, son Jrosky and daughter Juricle.
Tiatr Academy of Goa pres ident Anthony Barbosa de scribed his death as a major loss to the fraternity. “Jose Rod was a multi-talent ed artiste who contributed im mensely to tiatr through his act ing, singing, writing, composing and direction. His dedication to the Konkani stage and his abil ity to connect with audiences will always be remembered. His passing has created a deep void in the tiatr fraternity. I convey my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and countless ad mirers,” Barbosa said.
