By Gasper Crasto, Kuwait
Kuwait: Few artistes leave an immortal impression in this world. Padmashree recipient Shri M. Boyer will forever remain one of the greatest such artistes - an icon of Goan drama, Konkani language and art.
People who were fortunate to see M. Boyer on stage will perhaps never ever see another star of M. Boyer’s calibre – a great playwright, philosophical composer and singer.
Lovers and fans of M. Boyer held a condolence meeting in Kuwait to pay homage to the doyen of Konkani stage who expired on 30th May 2009. The meet was held on Saturday 6th June 2009 at Village Inn, Kuwait City. M.Boyer's mortal remains were laid to rest in Goa on 2nd June 2009 by hundreds of mourners, predominantly from the tiatrist faternity, tiatr lovers and Goans from all walks of life.
The other famous personalities from the Goan community who spoke and paid tributes to M. Boyer included Mario Rebello, Luis Cardoso who also conducted the prayer for the departed soul, Carmo Santos, Elvino Rodrigues, Alexander Fernandes and A. Veronica Fernandes. Gasper Crasto transliterated the philosophy and richness of Boyer’s song 'Ixttagoth' and sang it to music accompanied by Richard on keyboards.
A. Veronica enlightened the audience on the greatness of M. Boyer. He said M. Boyer was one of the greatest tiatrists - an unmatched composer, singer, actor, comedian, writer and director -- a tiatrist who brought a philosophical creation to songs. Veronica rendered in the form of song verses some of M. Boyer’s memorable hits in his speech which brought melancholy recollections of the great artiste. Some of the songs he rendered were from pre-liberation period and post liberation period which showed the greatness of M. Boyer. Very few amongst the masses in Goa and Kuwait are aware of these songs. Veronica, one of the living encyclopedia on tiatr showed a commendable memory to remember these immune songs.
A Video presentation of M. Boyer’s presence in a drama in Kuwait during his last trip to Kuwait was played to the gathering which brought tears to the eyes of many. In this same presentation it was shown His Excellency Prabhu Dayal, former Ambassador of India to the State of Kuwait honouring Shri M. Boyer at Kuwait Funaitees Tiatro Hall for bagging the Sangeet Natak Academy award from the President of India His Excellency Shanker Dayal Sharma.
Veronica Fernandes concluded the function acknowledging everyone’s presence and praying Eternal Rest to the departed soul.
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