Hailing from the picturesque and serene village of Sangolda, but settled in Mumbai since 1971, Salvador Santan Fernandes, popularly known as Salferns on the Konkani stage, was born on July 27, 1952. He sought primary education in Monte de Guirim.
During his studies in government school, Salferns received training from his teachers in cultural activities and he was always active on stage for various functions. His first rendition on stage was ‘Cheddum Xetkamteachem’ composed by Alfred Rose and rendered by Antonette Mendes.
While rendering his first song, Salferns had to dress like a girl and thereafter never again opportunity dawned for him to present himself as a female. He neither composed a song with the requisite of a female on stage.
When A J Fernandes, a prompter on stage, presented his tiatr ‘Noxib Strikevaleanchem’, at the tender age of 14 Salferns doled out the role of a postman, besides rendering a solo in the production. Thereafter, he had several opportunities to act and sing songs in tiatrs staged in villages like Vaddem, Socorro, Guirim, Altinho, Anjuna, Saligao and Parra.
At the age of 19, Salferns’ brother, Greg de Sangolda took him to Mumbai for better prospects. And during his hunt for a decent job, he took up wielding as his profession. Today, he owns his workshop in Mahim, Mumbai, under the banner ‘Salferns Enterprises’.
During his stay in Mumbai, Salferns first featured in Tony Martins’ tiatr ‘Pai Dhuvechem Kazar’, followed by tiatr ‘Pap ani Farikponn’ by Peter V Fernandes. His brother, Greg de Sangolda, who is also a tiatrist, introduced him to noted singer of the Konkani stage, late H Briton, and he was fortunate to act in his tiatr ‘Novo Kazari’. Thereafter, Joe Rose introduced him in his tiatr ‘Imteache Bhognar’.
As an actor and singer, Salferns made his appearance in tiatrs presented by noted Mumbai directors Alfred Rose, C Alvares, Rico Rod, Tita Preto, Robin Vaz and Francis de Dabolim. In 2017, he also made his appearance in Paul Romy’s tiatr ‘Tuji Dhuv, Mhoji Bail’, where he rendered a solo ‘Goenkar’, which is still a hit.
Initially, Salferns made entry on stage as a comedian in tiatrs presented by Alfred Rose, Jose Rose and C Alvares. But Prem Kumar acknowledged his capability on stage and insisted that he take up serious roles as well.
Brushing aside his comical shoes, Salferns took up serious roles of landlord, father, police inspector in Prem Kumar’s tiatrs ‘Peleachea Vostuchi Axea Korum Naie’, ‘Tuje Dis Bhorle’, and ‘No Time’. As an actor, he has always accepted all types of roles, whether big or small.
Salferns’ first audio CD “Pinzlolem Kapodd’ was released in 2014 and he plans to release more in the near future as he has several songs under his sleeve. His rich compositions comprise of solos and he prefers to focus mostly on family issues.
Replying to a query regards growth of tiatr in Mumbai, Salferns informed that tiatrs are on a rapid decline in the metropolitan city. Citing reasons for the downfall, he said, “Earlier, the Goans could be easily traced in areas like Dobitalao, Dadar, Mahim and Bandra. Today, they are scattered all over and the booking of halls is also pretty expensive.” “In comparison to tiatrs, the musical shows are in demand in Mumbai,” he revealed, “and its presentation is less effortless.”
With regards to the noted political singer of the Konkani stage, Francis de Tuem, Salferns made a revelation, mentioning that it was he who first introduced him on stage. “It was Zeferino Dias’ tiatr ‘Kitem Hanven Kelem?’ which had come down from Mumbai,” he said, “and when it was staged at Korgao, Pernem, a request was made to the director to rope in Francis de Tuem. The director obliged, and thereafter the singer had opportunity to perform in Mapusa, Panjim and Margao as well.”
When the Maharastra Kala Konknni Sonvstha (MKKS) organizes ‘Tiatr Day’ in Mumbai, Salferns, who is the member of the organization, has a unique way of celebrating it. He focuses on the legends in Mumbai and composes a special song, sketching their tireless journey on the Konkani stage. “And as part of the felicitation programme,” he states, “in the name of ‘Salferns Enterprises’ a trophy is offered to them.”
Those honoured till date at the ‘Tiatr Day’ celebrations in Mumbai include Tita Preto, Paul Romy, Betty Ferns, Jessie Dias and Kenny Zuzarte. “This year Antonette Mendes has been chosen for the same and will be felicitated on that auspicious occasion,” Salferns concealed.
On health grounds, although Salferns does not take major roles on stage, he makes himself comfortable with minor roles of old man and brief entries whenever required. “But when opportunity knocks on the door,” he says, “renditions continue with gusto and love for tiatr.”
