Pics: Daya Kukkaje/Jerry Concessao
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (RJP)
Mangaluru, Jun 20: Muhurat of ‘Swachh Bharat’ Konkani play, written by Joel Pereira and directed by Dolla Manglur, was held at Don Bosco hall in city on Monday, June 19. The drama will be presented by Karavali Konkans.
Leslie Rego, the president of Karavali Konkans, also revealed during the Muhurat that veteran theatre artiste Antony Samuel, known by stage name ‘Tony Ruzay’, has been chosen for the prestigious Karavali Konkans Kala Prashasti’ of this year.
The award will be presented on August 15 at Don Bosco hall at 5.45 pm and soon after ‘Swachh Bharat’ drama will be staged.
Fr Alwyn Serrao, principal of Padua College, who was the chief guest, Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, president of Konkani Natak Sabha, Konkani film director Harry Fernandes of ‘Noshibacho Khell’ and ‘Sophia’ fame, Dolla Manglur, assistant director and secretary of Karavali Konkans Claude D’Souza, Antony Samuel and Joel Pereira were the dignitaries and they lighted the lamp signalling the Muhurat of the drama.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr Alwyn Serrao said “I am happy to see more and more dramas being staged in city. As a dramatist, though I am happy with the quality of dramas, I still feel that more innovation can come into the stage. Absurd dramas also can be introduced which I am sure, will have its own audience.”
Dolla introduced all the actors, who are taking part in the drama, which include the names like Aloysius D’Souza, Alwyn Veigas, Jerome Moras, Dimple Pinto, Nishma D’Souza, Simon Pinto, Felix Lasrado and Shawn Rodrigues.
Harry Fernandes said he would launch his third Konkani film very soon and will cast many actors from Konkani drama field. He said he is very happy to participate in Konkani drama Muhurat and in future will contribute to Konkani dramas when time allows.
Joel Pereira, in his introduction to the drama, said “I am a musician, and not a regular writer. Yet I feel at times that I should write about some subjects. I have written when necessary either in form of stories or dramas. Swachh Bharat is not about the Abhiyan introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the same name. It is not even a commentary on the policies of BJP government. The story revolves around the comparison between bureaucrats and politicians in discharging their duties towards implementation of government policies. I have not used literary language in this drama. A pure traditional Konkani, which can be understood by everyone, is the language here.”
Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza wished all the best for the drama and said that he was happy to witness many dramas being staged these days.
Leslie Rego compered. Claud D’Souza thanked. Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza conducted prayer.
About Tony Ruzai
Tony Ruzai is a retired high school teacher and has acted in many Konkani plays since his childhood. Later he wrote 10 plays which were all hits. He acted in dramas of all famous writers and directors of yesteryears. He could portray roles of any type, be it comedy or tragedy, with ease. He was known for his strong voice and dialogue delivery.
A great orator and administrator he has been also involved in social work and going out of his way, he always helped children to gain knowledge and excel in their studies.