~by Gasper Crasto
Goans are commonly said to be born with music and drama in their blood. This is because the art is deeply entrenched in Goan culture.
All throughout history, Goan artistes are known to have ventured out to different parts of the globe in search of new prospects. Prominent Goans living abroad have excelled outstandingly in music and drama with their dedication and hard work.
In Kuwait, many Goan individuals have long made a mark as stars in their own right. Among one of the unsung stars is bab Nazareth Felix Rodrigues, popularly known in tiatr and drama circles as Nazy Rod.
Hailing from Rivona, Goa, Nazy has written and staged several plays namely ‘Krim Kednanch Bogsona’, ‘Ekuch Rogot’, ‘Punn Kon Guneavkari’, ‘Voniek Lagon’, ‘Mhozo Fuddar Raklo’, ‘Xirap’, ‘Xevott’, etc.
Nazy has also penned folk plays (Konkani khell) such as ‘Leenakshi’, ‘Hanv Guneavkari’, etc, which were broadcast on All India Radio, Panjim.
TÊTE-À-TÊTE WITH THE DIRECTOR
In a brief tête-à-tête on the eve of his show ‘Ghonvddo’ to be held in Kuwait ON STAGE & SCREEN on 3rd June Friday 3.30pm at Carmel School, Nazy recalled his younger days.
“I had great wish to do my graduation but had to leave it midway after intermediate arts at Smt Parvatbhai Chowgule College, Margao, in search of greener pastures.”
Nazy studied at Ornella’s High School – Poona, Camp 1, Bootee Street (upto grade 4) and completed his high schooling through Fatima High School, Rivona, Goa.
“I came on stage when I was just 10 years. It was from the 4th standard that I started liking Konkani dramas. During my 5th standard I wrote and staged a Konkani drama, it was named ‘Darun Mauxi’.
From then on, there was no looking back for the passionate Goan.
“My dramas were continuously staged in school on annual days, and later, year after year for the Rivona Church feast, until I left for Saudi Arabia on my first job.”
“I fell in love with my wife (Agnes who is a great singer herself) while studying in college.”
Fate had a different script for Nazy though. He had to leave studies and fly to Saudi much to the dissatisfaction of his dad.
“In Saudi, I worked for Al-Hoty Stanger Co., a Saudi-British Company. I worked as a draughtsman although I had no experience in that field. Initially, a Filipino helped me. I was good at drawing so I steadily managed to learn draughting and do the job.”
“Then I got a visa for Kuwait and life changed dramatically. My wife joined me later.”
REINCARNATION OF NAZY ROD
Nazy spent more than 20 years in hibernation by not coming openly in the tiatr arena.
“Lopes Brothers, my brother-in-laws used to sing in Kuwait dramas but their songs were not composed by me. They were not upto the top. A memorable hit song was required to get the Lopes bros noticed. It was for Mariano Fernandes drama ‘Sogleank Nomoskar’ that I first composed for them.”
“The following year came another Konkani drama - Milagres de Chandor’s ‘Mother’s Day’. I penned my best duo which took me one full night. I prayed to make this song popular and God heard my prayers, the song was a superhit. It was a song on ‘Anna Hazare’.”
“Later, I came into the limelight with my drama Ghonvddo (Mason). It was here some people warned me if the drama flops then I will sink Lopes bros too in one go. I took the challenge and thoroughly edited the script and ensured each scene was absorbing. I made it a point to include my own songs with new tunes.”
ABOUT ‘GHONVDDO’ DRAMA
‘Ghonvddo’ consisted a galaxy of eminent Goan stars. Renowned artistes and celebrities of the Konkani stage were flown in from Goa to enact in the drama. The star cast included Comedian Anita, Steffie Goes, Comedian Luis Bachchan, Marcus Vaz and Francis de Tuem.
Duets sung by Agnes-Alex Lopes, Sylvester-Irene Vaz, solo by Seby, a quartet, Lopes brothers duo’s were all composed by me including the opening chorus.
LIVE PERFORMANCES & MUSIC : 3RD JUNE 2016
Lokachea magneanim, delighted by an overwhelming response from the Kuwait audience, Nazy Rod presents the much acclaimed drama on SCREEN & STAGE -- 3rd June Friday 3.30pm at Carmel School, Kheitan.
Famed Goan singer Seby de Divar is specially flown in for the show; he will sing 3 powerful solos while popular Kuwait Trio Cajetan de Sanvordem-Mario de Majorda-Michael D’Silva will belt out their latest compositions.
Michael (Micky) Fernandes, Esparansa & Gasper Crasto, Pitu Ferns, Baltazar Pontes will sing too.
Musical score for the ‘live’ show will be provided by Shahu; Sound & Lights are arranged by Anand.
Director Nazy Rod’s son Anson Rodrigues is expected to host the evening.
Gate-passes for the show can be picked up on call at the following nos: 97634408 (Raja Stores -Martha), 50796693 (Agnello – Hawally), 99663252 (Nazy Azavedo – Hawally), 55813685 (Luis – Maidan Hawally), 55423805 (Shuwaikh), 66925693 (M&M – Salmiya).
NEXT VENTURE OF NAZY ROD
‘Ghonvddo’ was just the foundation of Nazy, the best is yet to come.
“I have penned my next drama which is ready to be launched,” stated Nazy in conclusion. “The drama will have 7 cantos. I am quite certain it will be a hit. I have titled the drama ‘GORIB VO GIREST’. It will be a complete show with select artistes from Goa and Kuwait.”