Media Release

Sanvordem, Nov 19: Kala Academy Award Winner for Best Actor and Konkani Bhasha Mandal Award winner for Best Singer -- Cajetan Pereira, popularly known as Cajetan de Sanvordem, on November 20 will be accorded a tearful burial at Guardian Angel Church, Sanvordem at 3.00 pm.

The actor who suddenly fell ill after a freak accident, died an untimely death on November 17.

Born on April 5, 1953, hailing from Sanvordem, Cajetan spent much of his life working for PACI (Public Authority for Civil Information) in Kuwait. He was much popular among the tiatrist fraternity and Konkani audience for his performances, simplicity, and jovial nature.

A celebrated actor, Cajetan de Sanvordem was well-known as the 'Thespian of Konkani Stage'. He will be most remembered for his unmatched, immaculate smile on stage - a hallmark of the actor.

Early years and rise to stardom

Cajetan came into the spotlight when he was just 8 years while singing at Guardian Angel School and in village dramas. He first got the opportunity to render a comedy song in a tiatr presented by Santan Fernandes for the annual feast.

The down-to-earth warrior acted as a 'main hero' in several dramas staged in Kuwait in the '70s, '80s, and '90s, and his composing and singing abilities were highly refined.

A young Cajetan had landed in Kuwait on January 31, 1976. His first appearance on Kuwait's stage was in P Jose de Colva's drama 'Aiz Maka Faleam Tuka' in Keefan Hall in 1977, followed by Konkani dramas directed by Jenifer Rod, Aleixinho de Maxem, Benny de Aldona, and the list went on.

Together with Marcus Vaz and Xavier Gomes, they formed the famous trio Cajetan-Marcus-Xavier, which created ripples and enjoyed tremendous fan-following in Kuwait as well as other Gulf countries and Goa.

The trio’s famous comedy song was 'Sexy Singers' with Cajetan-Marcus-Xavier, which they sang last year (2019) in Maestro Shahu’s musical show ‘Ugddas Dovrun Ghele’ staged in Kuwait.

After Xavier Gomes returned back to Goa for good, the void was filled by Mario de Majorda, and the trio was known as Cajetan-Marcus-Mario. After Marcus left Kuwait, Michael joined to form Cajetan-Mario-Michael trio which was also very popular.

Spell on the professional stage

On the professional stage circuit, Cajetan was given a break by his 'ganv-bhav' - legendary Konkani director Remmie Colaco in his drama 'Bhavponacho Kaido'.

Cajetan also staged two dramas of his own -- 'Bhattkarachem Kortub' and 'Africar' in his hometown, however, much of his stardom flourished while he was abroad in Kuwait.

An actor and celebrity

Besides acting and singing, Cajetan was a public figure in social activities.

Time and again, he was elected to several Indian organizations in Kuwait. He was president of United Friends Club – a football association for many years, and president of Kuwait-Goa Tiatristanchi Sonstha (KGTS).

He was also president of Guardian Angel Club of Sanvordem (Kuwait), head of the Cultural Cell of Goan Welfare Society (GWS), and an executive member of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF).

Apart from being a flamboyant actor, Cajetan was a versatile compere as well. His voice, diction, flair and linguistic abilities, especially in Konkani made his presence felt vibrantly at any cultural programme or gathering.

Cajetan's cursive 'handwriting' was to be seen to be believed and his sense of humor heard to realize the true pleasures of living life.

Life after retirement

After retiring from his job in Kuwait, Cajetan returned to his roots in Goa in March 2018 and ‘dressed-up’ in Mariano Fernandes’s tiatr ‘Tujem Bhangar Tujea Angar’, followed by Roseferns’ tiatr ‘Devak Zai Zalear’, Anthony Sylvester tiatr ‘Pedru Portugez’, Elvis-Carmen’s tiatr ‘Maie Mogacho Nomoskar’ and Pal Soares’s tiatr ‘Thank You God’.

The thespian actor traveled across the Gulf, UK, and acted for numerous other directors in his time, prominent among them being Fr Freddy J Da Costa, M Boyer, Remmie Colaco, Anthony San, H Britton, Jose Rod, Roseferns, Jess Fernandes, Patrick Dourado, Vitorino Pereira, A Morais, R Morais, Rosario Dias, Chrismeena, Rosary Ferns, Marcus Vaz, Laurente Pereira, Mario de Majorda, Michael D'Silva, Xavier Gomes, Bonaventure D'Pietro, Jessy Dias, Jenifer Rod, Aleixinho de Maxem, Benny de Aldona, J P Parra, Tony Call, Mendes Bros, F X Pereira, F Cardoz, Simon Gonsalves, Joe Ferrera, etc.

Acting apart, during his leisure Cajetan indulged in amusing social media friends with rephrased jokes called ‘SMILE, IT’S WEEKEND’ that defined the humor side of the star.

??emorable roles

Some of Cajetan’s memorable roles will remain immortal such as his role in Jose Rod's drama/VCD ‘Devan Dilem Devcharan Velem’ and T-Bush’s Konkani E-Cinema feature film ‘BLACK’.

Besides, Cajetan’s own DVD album ‘Xidduk Ravat’ was well accepted by Konkani lovers across the Konkan world.

Cajetan’s last action in a commercial drama in Kuwait was an important role in Sammy Tavares’ tiatr ‘Thim Thikam Sandlelim’ in 2018.

The acclaimed actor was awarded by the Tiartrist Academy of Goa (TAG) for his immense contribution to Goan art in the field of drama.

Earlier, the ‘Thespian’ was honored in Kuwait during the drama 'Chuklelim Pavlam' in June 2005.

??ondolences

The Goan community in Kuwait has extended deep condolences to the bereaved family. Our heartfelt sympathies to Cajetan's family, daughter Clemmie Pereira, and son-in-law Shahu Almeida.

May the soul of the departed brother be at peace in Heaven.