Kuwait: Stalwart Konkani stage actor-director-singer Laurente Pereira will bid farewell to Kuwait today (21st May 2018) after spending many years in this oil-rich country.
Laurente, who first set foot in Kuwait in the year 1988, has opted to leave Kuwait for greener pastures in Europe after acquiring his Portuguese passport. He will be in Goa for a while and may visit Kuwait on and off before settling in UK.
Among the best Goan directors abroad, Laurente Pereira, hailing from Utorda, is an artiste who created a niche on Konkani stage in singing, acting, and directing mega dramas.
Laurente was seen in almost every show staged in Kuwait.
One of Kuwait’s most successful directors, Laurente has staged mega hits under the banner Lara Productions. His dramas include ‘Tuje Upkar’ in 2001, ‘Lokhachim Thonddam Bondh..!’ in 2003 and the super-duper hit ‘Hea Gharachim Dharam Bondh..!’ staged in Kuwait back in 2006, and later in Goa.
Laurente’s last tiatr in Kuwait, ‘Mhojea Kallzant Tumchem Ghor’ staged in February 2018 was a success too.
ABOUT LAURENTE
Laurente Pereira first stepped on stage at the age of 11 years.
His first professional step on Konkani stage was in Pascoal Rodrigues superhit drama ‘Battli’ in 1988 which was also staged in Indian Arts Circle, Kuwait. He left the troupe same year and returned to Kuwait on a resident visa.
Laurente continued his acting after the Kuwait invasion performing in Rosary Ferns’ ‘Mhojeam Dusrem Ghor’ and Jose Rod’s megahit drama ‘Mauli’.
Few Goan actors are regarded for their commanding voices in dramas. Laurente is a notable star, who arguably possesses one of the most powerful vocals among Goan stage actors.
From playing a grandfather to a brother to a hero, Laurente is one of Kuwait’s much loved actors and a humble artiste who doesn't seem to ever turn down a role he's offered, or miss an opportunity to be on stage.
A long-time resident in Kuwait, Laurente’s DVD ‘Tovui Ek Munis’ released in Kuwait in 2013 was also very successful. It was Laurente’s second project after the stupendous success of his maiden audio album ‘Goenchi Mati’ released in 2008.
Drama remains Laurente’s biggest passion other than watching football and spending time with family.
Married to Remy Pereira, Laurente is blessed with 2 lovely daughters.
A student of St. Anthony’s High School, Majorda, Laurente worked for the Ministry of Defence (Kuwait Air Force) since 2003.
After Invasion of Kuwait, Laurente worked with BAE Systems Inc in Abu Dhabi for nearly 7 years before returning back to Kuwait. He acted in several dramas in Dubai during his time in UAE.
The humble star has been an active member of Kuwait Goa Tiatristanchi Sonstha (KGTS) since its inception.
STARS LEAVING FOR GOOD
Kuwait has been a hub of Konkani Tiatr and artistes since the 70’s.
There was a time when Kuwait boasted of maximum Konkani stage stars, however, the title now seems to have flown away to UK Goans where there is a surplus of stars nowadays and innumerable Konkani shows.
Year 2018 has seen popular Goan stage artistes based in Kuwait namely Cajetan de Sanvordem and Michael D’Silva leave the country for good.
With Laurente’s parting, Kuwait Konkani lovers will miss yet another dynamic Goan star.
“I am leaving with fond memories of Kuwait, and of friends that I made over the years,” stated Laurente in his farewell message.
On his emotions towards Kuwait Goans, Laurente said, “Goans are reducing in Kuwait day by day, but our Mai Bhas Konkani and Kuwait stage must secure its place for many more years. Goans who are not patronizing Konkani shows must show their support towards Tiatr in Kuwait.”
Goan community in Kuwait wishes Shri Laurente best in his future endeavours and blessings on his way.