Jacinto Castor Vaz (;
né
The birth name is the name of the person given upon their birth. The term may be applied to the surname, the given name or to the entire name. Where births are required to be officially registered, the entire name entered onto a births registe ...
Vas; 27 April 1918 – 30 April 1993) was an Indian comedian, actor, singer, composer, and playwright known for his work in
Konkani films and ''
tiatr
''Tiatr'' (; ) is a type of musical theatre that is popular in the state of Goa on the west coast of India, as well as in Mumbai and among the Goan expatriate communities in the Middle East, United Kingdom, and other cities with a significant pr ...
'' productions. Referred to as the "
Charlie Chaplin
Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin (16 April 188925 December 1977) was an English comic actor, filmmaker, and composer who rose to fame in the era of silent film. He became a worldwide icon through his screen persona, the Tramp, and is considered o ...
of the
Konkani __NOTOC__
Konkani may refer to:
Language
* Konkani language is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in the Konkan region of India.
* Konkani alphabets, different scripts used to write the language
**Konkani in the Roman script, one of the scripts used to ...
stage," he was a leading comedian during the golden phase of ''tiatr'',
and has acted in over 4000 ''tiatrs''.
Early life

Jacinto Castor Vaz, originally known as Jacinto Castor Vas, was born on 27 April 1918, in
Mandur
Manduru is a village in Guntur district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located in Tsundur mandal of Tenali revenue division
Tenali revenue division is an administrative division in the Guntur district of the Indian state of And ...
,
Ilhas de Goa
Tiswadi, formerly known as Ilhas, is a ''taluka'' in the district of North Goa, situated in the Indian coastal state of Goa. It is an estuarine island situated on the confluence of the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. It was one of the first terr ...
, which was a part of
Portuguese India
The State of India, also known as the Portuguese State of India or Portuguese India, was a state of the Portuguese Empire founded seven years after the discovery of the sea route to the Indian subcontinent by Vasco da Gama, a subject of the ...
during the
Portuguese Empire
The Portuguese Empire was a colonial empire that existed between 1415 and 1999. In conjunction with the Spanish Empire, it ushered in the European Age of Discovery. It achieved a global scale, controlling vast portions of the Americas, Africa ...
and is presently located in India. His parents were Castor Joaquin Vaz (
né
The birth name is the name of the person given upon their birth. The term may be applied to the surname, the given name or to the entire name. Where births are required to be officially registered, the entire name entered onto a births registe ...
Vas) and Margarida Cardoso. Vaz received his elementary education at a local village school.
During his schooling in
Bombay
Mumbai ( ; ), also known as Bombay ( ; its official name until 1995), is the capital city of the Indian States and union territories of India, state of Maharashtra. Mumbai is the financial centre, financial capital and the list of cities i ...
(now Mumbai), Vaz, similar to many other
Goan
Goans ( Romi Konkani: , ) is the demonym used to describe the people native to Goa, India, formerly part of Portuguese India (''Estado Português da Índia''). They form an ethno-linguistic group resulting from the assimilation of Indo-Aryan, ...
''
tiatrist
''Tiatr'' (; ) is a type of musical theatre that is popular in the state of Goa on the west coast of India, as well as in Mumbai and among the Goan expatriate communities in the Middle East, United Kingdom, and other cities with a significant pre ...
s'', was introduced to the
Konkani stage. He attended Little Flower High School, which organized annual Konkani singing competitions. Vaz's singing abilities attracted attention, leading to his regular participation in concerts and cultural events organized by the school.
He was also recognized with awards for his acting and singing during these competitions. Vaz's growing reputation for his performances in school programs caught the attention of influential ''
tiatr
''Tiatr'' (; ) is a type of musical theatre that is popular in the state of Goa on the west coast of India, as well as in Mumbai and among the Goan expatriate communities in the Middle East, United Kingdom, and other cities with a significant pr ...
'' directors of the time. This served as a catalyst for his entry into the professional world of Konkani theater, where he would make a name for himself.
Career
Vaz's introduction to the professional stage occurred in
Ernest Rebello
Ernest Rebello ( – ) was an early 20th-century Goan playwright, theatre director, composer, former singer, and comedian who worked on the Konkani stage.
Career
From a young age, Rebello displayed a natural talent for theater and had a particu ...
's ''
tiatr
''Tiatr'' (; ) is a type of musical theatre that is popular in the state of Goa on the west coast of India, as well as in Mumbai and among the Goan expatriate communities in the Middle East, United Kingdom, and other cities with a significant pr ...
'' production titled ''Hanv Patki'' (I Confess). Recognizing Vaz's talent,
Dioguinho D'Mello
Francis Diogo Romano de Mello (3 March 1908 – 30 September 1976), known professionally as Dioguinho D'Mello, was an Indian writer, singer, playwright, and sailor known for his work in ''tiatr'' productions. Referred to as the "Ambassador of th ...
invited him to join the National Artistes Unity in
Bombay
Mumbai ( ; ), also known as Bombay ( ; its official name until 1995), is the capital city of the Indian States and union territories of India, state of Maharashtra. Mumbai is the financial centre, financial capital and the list of cities i ...
, an association that included figures such as Anthony Vaz, Souza Ferrão,
Kid Boxer
Caetano Manuel Pereira (17 February 1917 – 3 March 1991), known professionally as Kid Boxer, was an Indian singer, writer, director, comedian, and lyricist who worked on the Konkani stage. He is best known for being the member of the popular ...
, and Miss Julie, all prominent ''
tiatrist
''Tiatr'' (; ) is a type of musical theatre that is popular in the state of Goa on the west coast of India, as well as in Mumbai and among the Goan expatriate communities in the Middle East, United Kingdom, and other cities with a significant pre ...
s''. Through this association, Vaz had the opportunity to tour
Goa
Goa (; ; ) is a state on the southwestern coast of India within the Konkan region, geographically separated from the Deccan highlands by the Western Ghats. It is bound by the Indian states of Maharashtra to the north, and Karnataka to the ...
. Initially, Vaz focused on serious roles, predominantly singing melancholic songs. However, it was the playwright and director Alexinho de Candolim who identified Vaz's hidden comedic talent. Alexinho offered Vaz the lead role of a comical
bridegroom
A bridegroom (often shortened to groom) is a man who is about to be married or who is newlywed.
When marrying, the bridegroom's future spouse is usually referred to as the bride. A bridegroom is typically attended by a best man and grooms ...
in his ''tiatr'' production ''Bhasailolo Nouro'' (Destined Boyfriend). Vaz's performance surpassed expectations, establishing him as a comedian on the ''tiatr'' stage. Writer Irene Cardozo commended Vaz for his natural comedic ability, effortlessly blending with his role and captivating audiences with his spontaneous and effortless humor. Vaz's mere presence on stage evoked laughter, highlighting his innate comedic aptitude, writes Cardozo.
Consequently, Vaz became synonymous with comedy, and subsequent offers predominantly comprised comedic roles.
During this period, Anthony Mendes held the position of the leading comedy figure in
Konkani stage productions. However, Vaz's ascent was facilitated by an unfortunate event-the untimely death of Mendes in 1964 at the age of 43. Cardozo writes, this created a void that only a comedian of Vaz's caliber could fill.
Vaz rose to the occasion, meeting the high expectations set by prominent directors. His contributions to the Konkani stage earned him the title "
Charlie Chaplin
Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin (16 April 188925 December 1977) was an English comic actor, filmmaker, and composer who rose to fame in the era of silent film. He became a worldwide icon through his screen persona, the Tramp, and is considered o ...
" of the Konkani stage, writes
Konkani __NOTOC__
Konkani may refer to:
Language
* Konkani language is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in the Konkan region of India.
* Konkani alphabets, different scripts used to write the language
**Konkani in the Roman script, one of the scripts used to ...
historian and singer
Wilson Mazarello
Wilson Vincent Mazarello (born Wilson Constantino Vicente Mazarelo; 19 July 1946), also known as Wilmix, is an Indian singer, writer, playwright, and politician known for his work in Konkani films, and ''tiatr'' productions.
Early life
Mazare ...
. Vaz elevated comedy in Konkani ''tiatr'' to new heights, captivating a broad audience base. His popularity was such that ''tiatr'' attendees would inquire about his involvement in productions, often requesting tickets for the entire family. In addition to his accomplishments as a performer, Vaz was known as a playwright. He penned numerous ''tiatrs'', some of which achieved significant commercial success. Among his popular works are ''Bodmas'' (Ungrateful), ''Gorvali'' (Housewife), ''Bandwala'' (Bands Man), ''Main ani Sun'' (Mother and Daughter-in-law), ''Nitidar'' (The Judge), ''Botler Bab'', ''Xevott Putancho'' (Sons End), ''Mouza'' (Enjoyment), ''Tiatrist'' (Theatre performer), ''Dadagiri'' (Goondaism), ''Cunhead ani Mana'', ''Amcheo Bailo'' (Our Women), ''Podon'' (Godfather), ''Ghovachem Ghor'' (Husband's Home), ''New Fashion'', ''Bombay Dekho'' (See Bombay), ''To Aamkam Visorlo'' (He Forgot Us), and ''Mog Montur'' (Strong Love). One of Vaz's most acclaimed ''tiatrs'', ''Cunhead ani Mana'', enjoyed an extensive run of 175 performances. Vaz also took ''Cunhead ani Mana'' and ''New Fashion'' on a tour of
African countries
This is a list of sovereign states and dependent territories in Africa. It includes fully recognised states, states with limited or zero recognition, and dependent territories of both African and non-African states. It lists 56 sovereign states ...
.
In 1959, Vaz embarked on a tour of various regions in Africa, where he showcased his ''
tiatr
''Tiatr'' (; ) is a type of musical theatre that is popular in the state of Goa on the west coast of India, as well as in Mumbai and among the Goan expatriate communities in the Middle East, United Kingdom, and other cities with a significant pr ...
s'', a form of
Goan
Goans ( Romi Konkani: , ) is the demonym used to describe the people native to Goa, India, formerly part of Portuguese India (''Estado Português da Índia''). They form an ethno-linguistic group resulting from the assimilation of Indo-Aryan, ...
musical theater
Musical theatre is a form of theatrical performance that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting and dance. The story and emotional content of a musical – humor, pathos, love, anger – are communicated through words, music, moveme ...
. His performances took place in
Nairobi
Nairobi is the Capital city, capital and largest city of Kenya. The city lies in the south-central part of Kenya, at an elevation of . The name is derived from the Maasai language, Maasai phrase , which translates to 'place of cool waters', a ...
,
Mombasa
Mombasa ( ; ) is a coastal city in southeastern Kenya along the Indian Ocean. It was the first capital of British East Africa, before Nairobi was elevated to capital status in 1907. It now serves as the capital of Mombasa County. The town is ...
,
Dar-Es-Salaam
Dar es Salaam (, ; from ) is the largest city and financial hub of Tanzania. It is also the capital of the Dar es Salaam Region. With a population of over 7 million people, Dar es Salaam is the largest city in East Africa by population and the ...
, and
Tanganyika Territory
Tanganyika was a colonial territory in East Africa which was administered by the United Kingdom in various forms from 1916 until 1961. It was initially administered under military occupation. From 20 July 1922, it was formalised into a League o ...
. Accompanying Vaz on this African tour were artists such as M. Dod de Verna, Saluzinho D'Costa, Remmie Colaco,
Aristides Dias
Aristides Dias (né Gauncar; 30 March 1928 – 6 August 1991) was an Indian playwright, singer, composer, and actor known for his work in Konkani films and ''tiatr'' productions.
Early life
Aristides Dias, originally known as Aristides Gaunca ...
, A. S. Conception, Jephsis Hitler, Zacharias Fernandes, Dioginho D'Mello, and Young Menezes. Prior to reaching Africa, Vaz also staged ''Cunhead Ani Mana'' in
Karachi
Karachi is the capital city of the Administrative units of Pakistan, province of Sindh, Pakistan. It is the List of cities in Pakistan by population, largest city in Pakistan and 12th List of largest cities, largest in the world, with a popul ...
, Pakistan. In 1982, Vaz embarked on a second tour of Africa. Starting from 1981, Vaz expanded his performances to encompass
Gulf countries
The Arab states of the Persian Gulf, also known as the Gulf Arab states (), refers to a group of Arab states bordering the Persian Gulf. There are seven member states of the Arab League in the region: Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi ...
like
Bahrain
Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island country in West Asia. Situated on the Persian Gulf, it comprises a small archipelago of 50 natural islands and an additional 33 artificial islands, centered on Bahrain Island, which mak ...
,
Kuwait
Kuwait, officially the State of Kuwait, is a country in West Asia and the geopolitical region known as the Middle East. It is situated in the northern edge of the Arabian Peninsula at the head of the Persian Gulf, bordering Iraq to Iraq–Kuwait ...
,
Muscat
Muscat (, ) is the capital and most populous city in Oman. It is the seat of the Governorate of Muscat. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the population of the Muscat Governorate in 2022 was 1.72 million. ...
,
Doha
Doha ( ) is the capital city and main financial hub of Qatar. Located on the Persian Gulf coast in the east of the country, north of Al Wakrah and south of Al Khor (city), Al Khor and Lusail, it is home to most of the country's population. It ...
,
Dubai
Dubai (Help:IPA/English, /duːˈbaɪ/ Help:Pronunciation respelling key, ''doo-BYE''; Modern Standard Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic: ; Emirati Arabic, Emirati Arabic: , Romanization of Arabic, romanized: Help:IPA/English, /diˈbej/) is the Lis ...
, and
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The city is the seat of the Abu Dhabi Central Capital District, the capital city of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and the UAE's List of cities in the United Arab Emirates, second-most popu ...
, where he entertained Goan audiences with his ''tiatrs''. His songs, recorded with
Gramophone Company India
Saregama India Ltd is an Indian music record label and content company headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is the oldest music label in India, established in 1901 as the Indian branch of the British Gramophone Company. It later became a ...
, continue to receive regular airplay on
All India Radio
All India Radio (AIR), also known as Akashvani (), is India's state-owned public broadcasting, public radio broadcaster. Founded in 1936, it operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India), Ministry of Information and Broa ...
in
Panaji
Panaji (; , , )also known as Panjim, is the capital of the Indian state of Goa and the headquarters of North Goa district. Previously, it was the territorial capital of the former Portuguese India. It lies on the banks of the Mandovi river est ...
and Mumbai.
Vaz also released an
audio cassette
The Compact Cassette, also commonly called a cassette tape, audio cassette, or simply tape or cassette, is an analog audio, analog magnetic tape recording format for Sound recording and reproduction, audio recording and playback. Invented by L ...
titled ''Goencho Avaz'' featuring his
Konkani songs, composed by his son Tony Vaz and Mike Machado. The cassette is now available in
compact disc
The compact disc (CD) is a Digital media, digital optical disc data storage format co-developed by Philips and Sony to store and play digital audio recordings. It employs the Compact Disc Digital Audio (CD-DA) standard and was capable of hol ...
format. Vaz is particularly remembered for his role in the
Konkani film ''
Nirmon''. The song "Kazar Zaunk Assa Ankwar Cholo," performed by Vaz himself in the film, attained enduring popularity among Goans and Konkani music enthusiasts worldwide, writes Cardozo.

Throughout his career, Vaz participated in numerous ''tiatrs'', both as a writer and director of his own productions, as well as collaborating with prominent playwrights and directors. Notable figures he collaborated with include
João Agostinho Fernandes
João Agostinho Fernandes (14 December 1871 – 29 August 1947), popularly known as Pai Tiatrist (), was a Portuguese playwright, theatre actor, and former chemist. Referred to as the "Father of Konkani ''tiatr''", he is known for his contribut ...
,
Ernest Rebello
Ernest Rebello ( – ) was an early 20th-century Goan playwright, theatre director, composer, former singer, and comedian who worked on the Konkani stage.
Career
From a young age, Rebello displayed a natural talent for theater and had a particu ...
, J.P. Souzalin,
Aleixinho De Candolim,
Minguel Rod,
Kid Boxer
Caetano Manuel Pereira (17 February 1917 – 3 March 1991), known professionally as Kid Boxer, was an Indian singer, writer, director, comedian, and lyricist who worked on the Konkani stage. He is best known for being the member of the popular ...
,
Master Vaz
Jose Lawrence Vaz (born José Lourenço Vás; 6 September 1927 – 13 December 2019), known professionally as Master Vaz, was an Indian singer, playwright, and lyricist known for his work in Konkani films, ''tiatr'' productions, folk plays, and ...
,
Dioguinho D'Mello
Francis Diogo Romano de Mello (3 March 1908 – 30 September 1976), known professionally as Dioguinho D'Mello, was an Indian writer, singer, playwright, and sailor known for his work in ''tiatr'' productions. Referred to as the "Ambassador of th ...
, J. A. Lobato,
C. Alvares,
Alfred Rose,
M. Boyer, Rico Rod,
Star of Arossim
Alegre Roque Teodoro Antao (11 September 1932 – 20 July 2016), known professionally as Star of Arossim, was an Indian singer, composer, dramatist, director, and actor who primarily worked on the Konkani stage. Regarded as a multifaceted artist ...
, and
Prem Kumar
Prem Kumar is an Indian name and ma refer to:
* Prem Kumar (Kannada actor) or Prem, Indian actor in Kannada films
* Prem Kumar (Malayalam actor), Indian actor in Malayalam films
* Prem Kumar (Tamil actor), Indian actor in Tamil films
* Prem Kumar ...
. Vaz also held a position at ''Emissora de Goa'' (now
All India Radio
All India Radio (AIR), also known as Akashvani (), is India's state-owned public broadcasting, public radio broadcaster. Founded in 1936, it operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India), Ministry of Information and Broa ...
) for a period of time.
Konkani __NOTOC__
Konkani may refer to:
Language
* Konkani language is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in the Konkan region of India.
* Konkani alphabets, different scripts used to write the language
**Konkani in the Roman script, one of the scripts used to ...
historian and singer
Wilson Mazarello
Wilson Vincent Mazarello (born Wilson Constantino Vicente Mazarelo; 19 July 1946), also known as Wilmix, is an Indian singer, writer, playwright, and politician known for his work in Konkani films, and ''tiatr'' productions.
Early life
Mazare ...
praised Vaz for his musical sense and pleasant voice, noting his intolerance for subpar singing. Vaz was also a
violinist
The following lists of violinists are available:
* List of classical violinists
* List of contemporary classical violinists
* List of jazz violinists
* List of popular music violinists
* List of Indian violinists
* List of Persian violinists
* Li ...
. Towards the end of his career, Vaz extended his involvement in the ''tiatr'' scene by directing and writing numerous productions, in addition to his extensive acting repertoire of over 4,000 ''tiatrs''. He composed and performed several popular songs, including "Nylon," "Pd. Agnel," "Bailank Lagon," "Bhair Kaddlo Dovo," "Dukracho Prat," "Kabai," "Koloi," "Mottorcar," "Rend Sedachem," and "Rock-N-Roll." Vaz's contribution to ''tiatr'' performances exceeded 1,000, encompassing both his own productions and those of others. He recorded songs on
gramophone records
A phonograph record (also known as a gramophone record, especially in British English) or a vinyl record (for later varieties only) is an analog signal, analog sound Recording medium, storage medium in the form of a flat disc with an inscribed, ...
, All India Radio, and cassettes. Additionally, he delivered a memorable performance in the Konkani film ''Mhoji Ghorkarn''.
Legacy
In May 2018, a collection of handwritten verses authored by Vaz was made publicly available. These original works, which included some of Vaz's well-known songs, had been carefully preserved by his family and were generously donated to the
Goa State Central Library
Krishnadas Shama Goa State Central Library is the main library in the State of Goa, India. It is located in Panjim (Panaji) and its website claims that it is the first public library to be set up across India, in the early 1830s.
Oldest in Ind ...
in January 2018. The donation was made with the intention of preserving Vaz's legacy for future generations. The texts consisted of over 50 songs, complete with lyrics, as well as information on the dates and venues of the corresponding ''
tiatrs
''Tiatr'' (; ) is a type of musical theatre that is popular in the state of Goa on the west coast of India, as well as in Mumbai and among the Goan expatriate communities in the Middle East, United Kingdom, and other cities with a significant pre ...
''. To ensure easy access and preservation, the library digitized the handwritten material and compiled it into bound books.
The significance of Vaz's contributions to ''tiatr'' was further acknowledged with the erection of a statue in his birthplace of
Mandur
Manduru is a village in Guntur district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located in Tsundur mandal of Tenali revenue division
Tenali revenue division is an administrative division in the Guntur district of the Indian state of And ...
during the same year. The literary works of Vaz and
Konkani __NOTOC__
Konkani may refer to:
Language
* Konkani language is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in the Konkan region of India.
* Konkani alphabets, different scripts used to write the language
**Konkani in the Roman script, one of the scripts used to ...
writer
Reginald Fernandes
Reginaldo "Reginald" Fernandes (14 June 1914 – 13 November 1994) was an Indian writer, musician and cultural figure active in Goan Konkani music. He was known for having written a vast number of Konkani ''romans'' novels, over a hundred in nu ...
are considered to hold significant cultural and historical importance. Despite this, these writers remain relatively obscure to younger generations. Historically, there has been a lack of recognition for their contributions, resulting in their literature being largely undiscovered. According to library curator Carlos Fernandes, the existing body of their work represents a valuable and unique treasure trove, offering potential for enriching research endeavors for those interested in studying their writings.
Selected stage works
References
External links
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vaz, Jacinto
1918 births
1993 deaths
Goan people
Tiatrists
Actors from Goa
People from North Goa district
Indian male comedians