Kuwait: The Konkani stage has certainly given a platform to many to showcase their talent, and gain fame and fortune.
Goan star Chitra Shirvaikar-e-Afonso is one such talent blessed with a smooth, silky voice -- a gifted actress in her own right.
Singing, according to her, is a passion, her first love and the secret of her energy. “It’s like finding my inner self, my soul,” reveals Chitra.
“I have always had a great passion for singing, ever since I was young. It gives me great joy to see the audience enjoying with me. When I sing, I can feel romance in everything around me,” says the star, one of the most suave and cultured artistes among Goans.
Chitra has played major roles for top playwrights and will be one of the star attractions for the mega show 'SATH PANVDDE' scheduled to be staged in Kuwait - 7th November 2014, 4.30pm at American School Hall, Maidan Hawally.
Star-Cast, Director of 'Sath Panvdde'
'Sath Panvdde' (Seven Steps) is a Special Tribute to Rosary Ferns, a celebrated Goan singer who passed away in 2011. It is written and directed by Rosary's brother Fidelis Fernandes and will feature a galaxy of well-known artistes from Goa and Kuwait.
Star artistes from Goa will consist of Lawry Travasso, Xavier Gomes, Francis de Tuem, Chitra, Andrea, Marcus Vaz, Comedian John D’Silva, Comedian Sally & Comedian Joana.
Kuwait-based artistes include Cajetan de Sanvordem, Mario de Majorda, Michael D’Silva, Katty de Navelim, Laurente Pereira, Bab Agnel, Xavier Furtado, Lopes Brothers, Clemmie Almeida, Esparansa & Gasper Crasto.
Music for the show will be provided by Kuwait’s magical maestro – Shahu Almeida accompanied by his Jolly Boys. London-based Goan drummer Matias Rosario Sequeira will team up with the band. DJ Marlon will provide the sound while Lekinson will be in-charge of stage setting.
Hall Management will be done by Derick Gomindes & Julio Cardoso while Laurente Pereira & Katty will be Stage Managers of the show.
The director Mr. Fidelis Fernandes hails from Colva, Salcette, Goa.
Fidelis is President of the Konkani Heritage Kuwait (KHK) which has, in the past, presented Konkani tiatrs, one-act play competitions, singing competitions, and Konkani ‘songit sanz’ (musical) shows in Kuwait under his able direction.
Ms. Kyoko Matsukawa, a Japanese Researcher based in Goa will attend the show as a chief guest. Special guests that will be in attendance are Francis Correia (Bahrain), Simon D’Silva (Qatar), Tony Gonsalves (UK), Anthony de Varca (Dubai), Raymond D’Sa & Bosco Leitao. (Kuwait).
A number of other distinguished dignitaries from Goa, Qatar, Oman, etc, are also expected to attend the show.
Chitra to glamorize the Stage
Born on 23rd March to (late) Dr. Kashinath Shirvaikar and (late) Sangeeta Shirvaikar, Chitra made her professional debut on Konkani stage in the year 1989 with a full-fledged role in Jose Rod & Anthony San’s non-stop drama ‘Punn Kiteak’ which completed over 100 shows.
Chitra went on to act for various renowned directors such as Prem Kumar, Rosario Rodrigues, John D’Silva, Mini Mario, Peter D’Costa, Jack Ferry, Maxy Pereira, Samuel Carvalho, Jr. Nelson, Jr. Reagan, Anil-Olga, Peter-Roshan, Comedian Ambe, Francis de Tuem, etc.
Some of the hit dramas that Chitra has performed include Punn Kiteak, Mauli, Tum Khuim Ravta, Tumi Jikhle, Ekuch Ghor, Chitrailolo Fator, Tin Vorancho Raza, Hanv Kallokant Jielom, Vavraddi Novem Jivit, Teddy Bear, Sang Hanv Patki, Uzvadd Naslolo Dis, Pirai, Maim, Tin Khille, Ghorabo, Ghorkar, Guneav Konnacho, etc.
Chitra in films and videos
While she has acted in Video films like ‘Zababdari’, ‘Obrigado Portugal’, ‘Gospel-Om-Allah’, etc, Chitra’s presence in the National Award winning film ‘Kanteantlem Ful’ by Arnaldo Da Costa is memorable too.
Chitra has one DVD and 2 audio albums of songs to her credit.
The DVD album ‘I miss you’ released in June 2013 has been a block-buster hit. Chitra inducted young actors in this album – singing and dancing to the songs. Her audio albums ‘I am in Love’ and ‘Love you forever’ are noteworthy too.
“The DVD is all about love,” shares Chitra, adding, “In fact, in one of the songs my personal life story is also seen reflecting in ‘Why did you break my heart?’”
The passionate singer has also rendered her voice for audio CDs of Samuel Carvalho, Jr. Nelson, Sylvester de Areal, Duets of C. Alvares, Goykar Jikhle, etc, and done playback singing for Joywin Fernandes’ Konkani film ‘Break up’, ‘Romance’, and ‘Claudia Mogachea’, etc.
Chitra’s Personal Life
This singing sensation narrates her journey into music, "I have always been attracted to singing on stage since childhood. I inherited singing skills from my mother - late Sangeeta Shirvaikar, who was also a stage singer. She was an inspiration for me to overcome my stage fear."
Chitra has a Masters in Commerce and a Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB). Currently, she is a lecturer at a Higher Secondary Institute in Goa.
Talking about her busy life, in an interview to a Goan newspaper recently, Chitra commented, “There are many women out there who live a life similar to me. Being a vice principal-singer-actor it is a great thing.. You won't believe my day starts at 4 in morning and ends late at night. I only say that 'Where there is a will there is a way!”
Chitra is married to another Goan great Tommy Afonso (Jr. Nelson) with whom she tied the knot in 1991 and converted to Christianity. The couple is blessed with 2 children; Chitra says she feels good being at home with her sweet daughter.
The celebrated artiste is sure to enthrall the audience with her acting and singing, and glamorize the stage of 'Sath Panvdde' on November 7.
Watch out for more details on the show.
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