Father of Konkani Films - Frank Fernandes

FATHER OF KONKANI FILMS 'AMCHEM NOXIB', 'NIRMONN' FRANK FERNAND NO MORE

By Isidore Dantas
isidordantas at yahoo.co.in


Frank Fernand, the producer and music director of epoch
making Konkani films Amchem Noxib and Nirmonn, breathed his
last at the age of 87 in Mumbai on April 1, 2007 and was
buried the next day at a quiet funeral at Dadar. He is
survived by his wife Maggie, daughters Elfin, Doris, Larissa
and son Max. Many Goan musicians have made it big in Hindi
films, of whom Frank Fernand is one.
Frank Fernandes, popularly known as Frank Fernand, was born
on May 3, 1919 and hails from Curchorem, a small and dusty
mining town and railway station now in the district of South
Goa. He was baptized by the saintly priest Fr. Agnelo de
Souza.
Fernand received his initial training in music at the hands
of the local maestro Diogo Rodrigues, where he could master
violin and trumpet. In 1936, Frank migrated to Mumbai to join
Don Bosco's for studies. His first assignment in music was to
play at Green's Hotel and Taj Mahal Hotel under the
leadership of George Theodore, an East Indian, as the
community of Christians from the region of Bombay (Mumbai) is
known.
In 1942, he left Mumbai for Mussorie to play at Savoy Hotel
under the Rudy Cotton band. It is here that he got a good
opportunity to be a Jazz musician in his band. The same year
he had a brief stint in New Delhi.
Fernand is indebted to our statesman and India's first Prime
Minister the late Jawaharlal Nehru for his Biography and
Discovery of India, which completely changed his outlook. He
considers Nehru to be the great Son of India and is grateful
to him for the orchestration of the National Anthem Jana Gana
Mana. A true patriot, Frank commemorated August 15 as the
biggest event every year.
In 1946, he set for Mumbai to participate in Mickey Correia's
band. The year 1948 saw him joining the film industry as a
musician to the popular music duo, Shankar-Jaikishan. He
proudly recalled his association with the success of
R.K.Films' Raj Kapoor's super hit 'Barsat'. He has had the
privilege to work under the music directors of repute. These
include Kishore Kumar. C.R.Ramchandra, Roshan, and Anil
Biswas.
His last assignment with Kalyanji-Anandji as his first
assistant is fondly remembered by the Hindi Film music
community. He has excelled in musical arrangement for these
film music directors.
In the footsteps of the end of colonial Portuguese rule in
Goa, in keeping with the immense love he had for Konkani and
with the vast knowledge of film craft in his possession, he
launched his first Konkani film 'Amchem Noxib' under the
banner of Frank Films (Goa).
It starred C. Alvares and Anthony Mendes in the main roles.
Apart from being its producer, the film had melodious music
composed by him. This film has cast a magic spell on the
spectators and its immense popularity has brought him
adulation and draws large crowds even today whenever and
wherever it is released.
Some time back, he expressed his gratitude for the patronage
received for this first film, which boosted his enthusiasm.
However, he regretted that Portuguese- and English-speaking
Goans did not appreciate the film and called it cheap.
To counteract this criticism, he produced his second film,
'Nirmonn' based on Lord Tennyson's character Enoch Arden, for
which he set music in his own style. This film had a powerful
story and bagged the Certificate of Merit for regional films,
the first of its kind for Konkani, at the hands of the then
Prime Minister, the late Indira Gandhi.
This film had memorable performance by C. Alvares, Shalini,
Anthony D'Sa and Jacinto Vaz. The lyrics and scenes have been
beautifully captured on mementoes of the films.
'Nirmonn' was remade into Hindi and was entitled 'Taqdeer'
and was directed by A. Salam with Shalini in the lead role.
Besides these two films, Frank has also provide the musical
score to the Konkani film 'Mhoji Ghorkarn' directed by A.
Salam with Shalini, C.Alvares and Jacinto Vaz in the main
leads.
With the success of the two Konkani films, Frank ventured to
produce a Hindi film in 1965 entitled 'Priya', starring
Sanjeev Kumar and Tanuja with music by Kalyanji-Anandji. This
film flopped because it was considered an art film by the
audience and not a commercial one.
Not loosing heart, Frank again attempted to produce another
Hindi film 'Ahat' starring Dr. Shriram Lagoo, Jaya Bahaduri,
Vinod Mehra. 'Ahat' inspired by the popular English film
'Wait Until Dark' was made under the banner of Vishal
Gomantak Films with screenplay by G.D.Madgulkar, Kishore Rege
as director and music by himself. The film was over-budgeted
and could not be released because the distributor was
arrested under COFEPOSA. The film has not seen the light of
the day.
Frank has set music to the lyrics of the popular Konkani poet
Dr Manohar Sardesai's 'Fulam Zai', 'Sobit Amchem Goem', for
HMV Recording Co for which he bagged the Bombay Journal
Award. Cine Musicians has honoured him as founder and he was
bestowed the Goan Review Award. His contribution can also be
seen on Konkani discs, for which he has provided musical
score. He has also staged tiatr entitled 'Bekar Patrao' in
the eighties with first time introduction of a ten-piece
orchestra.
He was the first to play classical as Jazz player, and
Trumpet Concheto by Handel under the music maestro Victor
Paranjoti. Audience still remember the concert he organized
in 1958 where he played Evolution of Music, Jazz, starting
with Negro Spirituals, Dixie Land Jazz followed by New
Orleans Jazz, Sound of America commercial music, Symphony
Jazz and Ravi Shankar's Caravan. Frank was suffering from the
dreaded Parkinson's disease since 1985.

Goeant Konkani Romi Lipi Khoimche Suvater?

Goeant Konkani Romi Lipi Khoimche Suvater?

Ganv-bhoin Brenda Menezes hachi 'one-act plays in Konkani' hem pustok Goa Konkani Academy hanchea asrea-khal porgott zala tem vachun jivak khos bhogli. Mhojim un-unit porbhim bai Brendak, tachea hea molladik vaurak. Ojeap dista bai Brenda-n, hem pustok Romi Lipin-n kaddinastanm Nagri Lipi-n porgott kelem tem polloun. Ho mhuzo ek xinn koso taka, zalear ho ek amkam Romi boroiteleank okmann koso zaun asa. Goeant aiz Romi Lipi-k mannacho dhorzo favo korunk nam. Anim dista Goa Konkani Academy aiz Romi lipik bhed-bhav korta xi, anim dista Academy fokot Nagrik tenko dita xi. Hi Romi anim Nagri lipimchi dusmankai, kednam punn nopoit zait ghai? Kiteak azun passun donui lipi-nk ek sarkho dhorzo kiteak favo zaunk nam? Unnench mhollear aiz ponchvis vorsam odhik torui zalim, him lipink lagon Goeant dusmankai cholta. Mhojea bhurgea ponnar anvem zaitinch borovpam keleat, Goeant anim Bombaim porgott zatelea soglea potramcher anim masikamcher punn soglim mat Romi lipin. Punn aiz ponchvis vorsam odhik somplim punn azun Romi-chem kestanv azun jivem assa tem polloun ojeap dista. Zorui tor bai Brenda-n hench pustok Romi lipi-n porgott kelelem zalear koslem unnem ponn aslem ghai? Nagri-n boroilem pustok Romi vachpeanchea athan zobor-xem poddonam anim ugttea ponnim anv sangtam, anvui Nagri vachinam, karann bhurgeaponnim thaun anv Romichi boroin anim vachun ailam. Romi-n boroilelim pustokam aiz pordhesant vetele Goemkar mogan ghetat, vachtat anim pordhesan vhortat. Nam zalear polle adle amche Konkani Romi boroinar zoxe porim Romanxincho raza Reginald Fernandes, Joao Inacio de Souza, Bonaventuro Pietro anim adi. Adle Tarvotti bhav tarvar vechea adim Reginald Fernandes-achi romanx ghetlea bhogor tarvar vochonaslo. Aplo vell kitem torui mogan vachun sartolo mhunn anim tenvui zalear amche Konkani Romi lipin. Urbha mhaka bhogta polloun amchea tiatrist bhav-bhoineank, je dis-rat Romi lipichi seva kortat ti polloun. Osoch ho Konknnicho anim Romi lipicho bhavtto tumi unch dourunk mhuzo anvddo anim otreag zaun asat. Xabaski tumkam, tiatrist bhav-bhoineank, Romi lipi tume azun jivi dourunk vaur kortat dekhun. Khoim pavli amchi Konkani Romi lipi? Kiteak tika khas apleach putam-dhuvanim pois dovorlea? Anim kednam Romi lipik favo to mhannacho zago mellot ghai?

Konknnicho Romi Borovpi,
Mguel Barreto, Kepem-USA

Comedy Queen Querobina Carvalho

Comedy Queen Querobina to release Konkani Video CD "DUKHAM" in Kuwait
By Gasper Crasto

Comedy Queen Querobina Carvalho - Quero to friends - will launch her first
songs and jokes Video CD entitled 'Dukham' (Tears) at the Goa Day event on
9th November 2007 in Kuwait.
Querobina has transcended Goa's stereotype stage style to become one of the
finest actresses of this generation against all odds. She is undoubtedly a
superstar and on a pedestal equal to legendary celebrities of the stage.
Querobina is perhaps the only actress who can do comedy as well as tragedy
roles and at the highest standard at that, and sing with a voice that can
melt stone hearts.
The Video CD produced by Music House (Mapusa) and music composed by famed
Goan musician Norman Cardozo, consists of a selection of songs and jokes.
Querobina has the distinction of winning 3 straight Kala Academy awards as
the Best Singer of Goa from 1973 to 1975. Acclaimed as one of Goa's popular
comedienne and an actress for enacting tragedy roles, Querobina has
tirelessly served Konkani stage even after landing in Kuwait. The
multi-talented star recently featured in the first Konkani E-Cinema 'BLACK
Nhesop Atanchem Fashion' produced and directed by T-Bush.
Querobina is a singer with an eloquent voice and has to her credit several
songs in Konkani CDs, video films and audio albums. She has sung in
approximately 39 audios and features in 8 videos. Her first Album 'Dhinvas'
was a runaway hit. Not too long ago, Querobina presented her first Konkani
album "Tragedy Queen" dedicated to her favourite stage actress Ophelia
Cabral.
Querobina's first step on the stage was at the age of 9 years where she sang
her first solo at St. Aloysius High School. Querobina's rise to fame began
with her 'first break' on the professional stage in A.M. Pacheco's drama
'Mr. Romeo' and 'Odruxtt' in 1977. Querobina labored long in the field of
different roles for Patrick Dourado's 'Soth' and the second ever ladies show
on Konkani stage 'Oxem Ghoddtta' before her acting in Goa's mega hit dramas
showed the extent of her brillance and talents. She soon went on to act in
A.M.Pacheco's 'Don Roste', 'Vis Vorsam Adim' and Nelson
(Nelson-Conception-Anthony) Alphonso's 'Asro.' In 1978 she joined Patrick
Dourado's troupe that brought her recognition as a professional artiste and
also the title 'Comedy Queen Querobina' for his drama 'Ostori'.
The greatness of her acting came forth again in performances of Patrick's
tragedy hit 'Lok Sangtolo', and M. Boyer's 'Mog Kazar Divorce'. Soon she was
pulled in Bombay by late Bab Peter to act in an all Bombay professional
group in 'Guneaum Mhozo Nhuim'. Later, she performed mostly comedy roles in
Prince Jacob's productions. Die-hard tiatro fans have followed her career
closely, watching her metamorphose into one of the State's most recognized
faces on the Konkani stage. Her numerous other acting credits include
Patrick Dourado's superhits such as "Oxem Ghoddtta", "Ghatki Bhoinn",
"Bhavacho Cheddo", "Familik Vollkona", "Lok Sangtolo", "Tem Mhojem Soirem",
"Dev Borem Korum", "Tin Fogotteache Marann", "Varem", "Noketr", "Patok",
etc; C. D'Silva and Patrick Dourado's joint venture 'Mannkam Motiam', 'Mog',
etc.
Querobina featured in approximately 27 different dramas of Patrick Dourado
and later acted in shows of Conny M. D'Silva, Vitorino Pereira, Master Vaz,
legendary late Rosario Rodrigues, Menino de Bandar, etc. Prominent hits
that she acted are late Bab Peter's 'Mijas', 'Guneanv Mhozo Nhoim', 'Tuka
Kiteak Poddlam'; Robin Vaz's 'Biatin', 'Chamcha'; late C.Alvares' 'Xezari
Kombo' ; late Jacinto Vaz's drama 'Sukh ani Dukh'; Wilmix's 'Sonvsar ani
Sorg'; Roseferns' 'Tuttlele Dhaage'; and Prince Jacob's superhits 'Pavnnek',
'Ponvot', 'Pordexi', 'Poltodd', 'Pangddo', 'Pergao', 'Poixe-Poixe', etc.
Querobina has also sung and rendered her voice in 56 folk plays on All India
Radio (AIR) - Goa which were a major source of entertainment for public
before the advent of television in Goa in the wake of the 1982 ASAID. As a
comedienne Querobina has acted alongside famous artistes of Konkani stage
that include Comedian Dias, Comedienne Platilda, Comedian Philip, Comedian
Domnic, Augustine, Sherly, Sally, Comedian Jesus, Luis Bachchan, Nelson,
Ben, Ambe, X. Almeida, M. Boyer, Jacinto Vaz, Titta Pritto, Tony Martins,
Paul Romy, Hortencio, late Luis Dias, etc. She was a darling of the crowd in
Prince Jacob's shows alongside Jacob and Humbert.
Born to Andrew Carvalho and Arcangela Fernandes and coming from the
beautiful coastal village Majorda, Querobina grew up with her younger
brother Anthony. It was in celebrated director M.Boyer's drama 'Mog Kazar
Divorce' that she first toured the Middle East and made the trip again for
another 5 times in Prince Jacob's shows. Recalling her overseas tours
Querobina underlines "In 1989, I performed in London for Prince Jacob's
'Painem' and 'Pergao'; my first trip to Kuwait was in Mario de Majorda's
"Sambau" drama staged in 1994 at Keifan Hall." The much in demand actress
also toured Dubai and Bahrain for Jose Rod's "Mauli" and for Comedian Philip's
drama 'Hem Kazar Koslem?', and also traveled to Qatar, Bahrain from Kuwait
to act in dramas on several occasions. Querobina's 'residency' in Kuwait
has been hailed in the media by many Goans as a gift to Kuwait Konkani
lovers but the void created by her absence in Goa is missed by thousands.
Since her arrival in Kuwait in 1995 she has acted in various dramas directed
by Jose Rod, Rosary Ferns, Comedian Philip, Mario de Majorda, etc. Most
recently, she has acted for the shows directed by Salu Faleiro, Simon
Gonsalves, Francis de Tuem, etc. Indisputably, a multifaceted actress like
Querobina would have been hailed as a "top star" had she been acting in any
other language dramas. The artiste has been felicitated in Kuwait by
Konkani Heritage Kuwait (2000) and United Club of Utorda (2007) and in
Bahrain at the staging of Anthony Luis Fernandes' show. After a gap of 22
years, she had performed in July 2007 in Goa for Laurente Pereira's 'Hea
Gharachim Dharam Bondh' tiatr to a thunderous ovation.
"The audience has accepted and appreciated me as an actress. I am sure the
latest video of songs and jokes will be a joy of tears for the Konkani
speaking masses", stated Querobina on the release of 'Dukham'.

- You heard it first from www.goa-world.com !

Official Language Act of Goa (The cause, of all our problems)

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE ACT - of Goa.

Thu Jan 1 2009

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE ACT-of Goa.(The cause, of all our problems).

Why are Goans so agitated ? Why do Goans refuse to be subdued ?Why do they object to anything that is done in the name of development?Why are Goans so suspicious of their own Government?I've been seeing this phenomenon going on for several years now.The same attitude has now percolated down to the Goan masses.Goans from one community look at Goans from the other community with suspicion.The common trust that once existed among Goans, does not exist any more.Why do people openly revolt against all mega-projects ?Why do people reject any S.E.Zs in Goa ?Why was there such a hatred for the Regional Plan 2011?Why is the Regional Plan 2021, still not well accepted?Let's go further down to the people's level.Why do popular people' movements, fritter away?Why is there infighting among members of the G.BA?.Why do members of "Utt-Goykara", playing "blame-games"?Why does one N.G.O support a mega-project while another N.G.O opposes the same mega-project?Some of us may wish to point a finger at the Government in power.Some of us may want to blame the people "for all the maladies".According to me, both may be right.It is the Government and it is also we the people, who should share a part of the blame.However, where we miss out is "where lies the mistake"?What is the real cause of all these maladies?The Government will say "what wrong have we done "?The people will say "what is our fault"?According to me, when a problem becomes "chronic", such as the situation in Goa, there comes a time, when we need to dig deep, to find out the "cause" of the problem..The "infection" is deep rooted.All that we see are the "symptoms ", of an underlying infection.The "symptoms" are dissatisfaction, suspicion, frustration, annoyance etc.The disease is "mistrust".The cause is "Konkani".I am sure , your immediate response is a shocking "What"?Yes my fellow Goans, I am deeply convinced , that the "Official Language Act of Goa", is responsible for the chronic disease of "mistrust" among Goans.Going back to pre-liberation period and post liberation upto 1987, Goans , irrespective of what religion they belonged to, were just one community.A Goan community.Goa was an epitome of "communal-harmony".Then came the "highly communal & partisan" Official Language Act of Goa, that, sowed the seeds of dissatisfaction, suspicion, frustration, and annoyance .Today, Goans from one religious community do not see eye to eye with Goans from another religious community.The "bond" of brotherhood that once existed is no more there.There is an aura of "suspicion" all around.All because of that one, "Official Language Act" of Goa.Every good intention of the Government is looked upon with suspicion by the people , because they have lost their "trust".They say "this Government does not have it's priorities right".Konkani should be at the top of it's priorities.It is Konkani that unites us.The people's movements like 'Goa Bachao.Abhyian", "Utt Goykara" and other N.G.Os, also do not have their priorities right.All "issues" taken up by them, are "symptoms'.The "cause" is forgotten.Konkani is the "cause'.They all should take up the cause of Konkani first..No movement in Goa, will succeed, until & unless, the issue of Konkani is settled.To rid of the symptoms, the "cause" is to be removed.Goans did not need the "Official Language Act", at least in its present form.Hence, remove it.Konkani is the mother-tongue of all Goans.Give Goans, a choice to decorate her, enrich her, the way each one wants.Don't force the views and convenience of one section ,on the others.Let Konkani flourish with full freedom, without any restrictions of dialect or script.Let every Goan, spontaneously, feel it his or her duty to protect and enrich "mother-tongue Konkani".My Gut-feeling is, if the "Official Language Act" is totally removed, the aura of "mistrust" will automatically, be taken care of.The "symptoms' of dissatisfaction, suspicion, frustration , annoyance etc. will slowly disappear.The people will be more receptive to 'genuine' development-works of the Government.The various people's movements and N.G.Os will also be more effective and lasting.Konkani alone can restore Goa, back to its original "glory".Konkani in all it dialects and all it's scripts, free to flourish, free as a bird.All that the Govt. of Goa , needs to do is, treat the "cause" and not the "symptoms".The "cause' is, the communal Official Language Act of Goa.The various people's movements and N.G.Os , should also put "solution of the Konkani script" issue, at the top of their priority-list.Konkani alone. will be the "uniting force" of Goa & Goans..

Wilmix Wilson Mazarello.

Digitised "Faxi Mogachi" - Konkani film

Digitised “Faxi Mogachi”

C Alvares, the late thespian and innovative tiatr director, who shone brightly in the early Konkani movies “Amchem Noxib” and “Nirmon”, went on to produce “Faxi Mogachi”, and released it on a very small scale. His daughter Capucina produced his play “Atancheo Sunom” and her own first film “Disson Kurddo Aikon Bhero”, followed by “Ghutt” with which her father was toying before he passed away.
Capucina, to perpetuate C Alvares’ rich legacy under the banner of C. Alvares Films, partnered by Ashterwayne Productions, eventually produced the digitized version of “Faxi Mogachi”, which was released recently. [I. Dantas]

N.Shivdas is chief of Goa Konkani Akademi

Shivdas is GKA chief

PANJIM: Konkani writer N Shivdas, on January 1, assumed charge as president of Goa Konkani Akademi after the state government reconstituted the committee.

The order reconstituting the committee was issued by the Director of Official Language. The other official members are Damodar Mauzo, Vincy Quadros and Prof SM Borges. The term of the committee is for two-years. [GT/3-Jan-2009]

Veeam Braganza

Veeam tells her story:


Daughter of Tiatrist Alphonso ‘Bond’ Braganza, Veeam was encouraged to sing or the family’s listening pleasure. At eight he released her first Konkani album “Mhaka Jievonk Di”. She never looked back, releasing three Konkani albums – Mhozo Hero, Johnny Johnny, and three English albums... Veeam is a founder member of Jazz Goa.

She loves singing Jazz and has sung with UB40’s saxophonist Graeme Hamilton and Colin D’Cruz at Jazz Inn in Mumbai. She has also performed with Jazzy Joe at Mumbai’s Hyatt, where she did a Konkani single.


[Dolcy D’Cruz, Herald2day]