By Gasper Crasto / Kuwait
In a world of Konkani stage abroad, where emotion meets expression and creativity holds dedication, the exit of artistes to another country is but a celebration of their journey.
In recent times, we have seen well-known tiatrists – Comedy Queen Querobina Carvalho, and Sucorina Fernandes (of Sucorina Tiatr fame) leave the country for good – to settle down in Goa.
Over the decades, a number of stars have emerged to stardom from Kuwait; most have left for other countries – especially London – for greener pastures.
The latest to opt for the country where Royalty lives, is versatile singer Agnes Rodrigues, better known as the sister of Lopes Brothers (late Alex & Cajetan Lopes), or wife of writer-director Nazy Rod.
As these well-known artistes join their families, we are reminded of the profound impact they have had on the audience and the indelible mark they leave behind. The essence of their talent will remain captured in their unforgettable performances.
Their exit marks not the end of their influence but a new chapter in their life’s narrative, one that will undoubtedly be as impactful as their time on stage.
𝘼𝙂𝙉𝙀𝙎 𝙔𝙊𝙐𝙉𝙂𝙀𝙍 𝘿𝘼𝙔𝙎
Agnes was a graduate in Arts through Bombay University.
Soon after graduation, she did her B.Ed and took to a teaching career with Fatima High School, Rivona under the guidance of late Fr. Peter Mathias and late Fr. Cyril Mascarenhas.
Earlier, during her schooling days, she acted in almost all Rivona stage dramas, and singing competitions held in the school along with her brother Alex.
She acted and sang in seven Tiatrs of Nazy Rod staged during the annual feasts of Rivona. The last drama that she acted was ‘Xirap’ in a lead role of heroine.
She also performed in All India Radio Khell tiatrs of Nazy Rod.
𝙁𝙍𝙊𝙈 𝙂𝙊𝘼 𝙏𝙊 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙈𝙊𝙊𝙉
After her performance as heroine opposite Nazy Rod for the first time, they were both attracted to each other and carried their love for 7 long years through college, with much faithfulness before tying the knot.
After marriage, Agnes left her teacher’s job and joined Nazy in Kuwait. She immediately took up a secretarial job and worked for 4 years before the invasion of Kuwait made the couple fly back to Goa.
In a noble gesture, Agnes refused to file for Invasion compensation saying her hard-earned money was more than enough, she even forfeited her indemnity after returning to Kuwait.
She worked in an administrative post in her last job for over 20 years.
During her time in Kuwait, Agnes faithfully devoted her time to the church. She was an active member of the choir at the Holy Family Cathedral, as well as the Salmiya parish (in almost all choirs).
𝘿𝙀𝙎𝙏𝙄𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝙇𝙊𝙉𝘿𝙊𝙉
She left Kuwait quietly on 8th August ’24 to join her husband and son Anchor - Anson Rodrigues in London.
As she embarks on this new journey, joining her family to embrace new opportunities, we celebrate her past achievements and wish her good luck in future that awaits her.
In closing, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the joy and inspiration she has given us through her art.
As Agnes moves forward into this new chapter, Kuwait Goans will carry the echoes of her performances – especially her last one in Maestro Shahu’s 'Devan Dil’lea Denneam Pasot'.
The warmth of her presence, and the profound impact she made.
Though she may have left Kuwait, her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift many youngsters.
𝙒𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 Agnes Rodrigues !!!