Robin Vaz
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Robin Vaz (20 October 1932 – 16 November 2002) was an Indian playwright, actor, singer, and dancer known for his work in Konkani films, ''
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, and Goan folk music.


Career

Vaz made his debut on stage in
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 ...
'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 ...
'' (a form of theater in
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 ...
) titled ''Kunbi Jakki''. At the age of 11, Vaz seized an opportunity to act in a ''tiatr'' organized by his village peers, which showcased his early talent as a
child artist The term child actor or child actress is generally applied to a child acting on stage, television, or in movies. An adult who began their acting career as a child may also be called a child actor, or a "former child actor". Closely associated te ...
. His performance left an impression on the audience, prompting many to recognize his potential as a ''
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 ...
''. Vaz's burgeoning reputation earned him invitations to act in ''tiatrs'' produced by established ''tiatrists'' such as Jephsis Hitler, Kamat de Assolna, and Saluzinho D'Costa. His involvement with these accomplished
theatre practitioner A theatre practitioner is someone who creates theatrical performances and/or produces a theoretical discourse that informs their practical work. A theatre practitioner may be a director, dramatist, actor, designer or a combination of these tradi ...
s further honed his skills and expanded his exposure within 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 ...
theater community. At the age of 15, Vaz took the bold step of writing his own ''tiatr'', titled ''Put Konnancho?'', which he staged in
Cuncolim Cuncolim is a town in South Goa district in the state of Goa, India. Geography Cuncolim is located at . It has an average elevation of . History It is a former village, now with a municipal council of its own, in the south Goa sub-district ...
. This production featured a mix of professional ''tiatrists'' and amateur actors and received a favorable response from audiences. Unfortunately, Vaz's aspirations were temporarily interrupted when he had to leave for
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) in search of employment opportunities. During his time in Bombay, Vaz pursued avenues to establish himself professionally on the Konkani stage. He began showcasing his musical talents by singing songs 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 ...
, where his performances were regularly broadcast by All India Radio, Bombay. Meanwhile, Vaz actively participated in the movement for Goa's Liberation, collaborating with
freedom fighter A freedom fighter is a person engaged in a struggle to achieve political freedom, particularly against an established government. The term is typically reserved for those who are actively involved in armed or otherwise violent rebellion. Termi ...
s in their efforts to free Goa from Portuguese rule. Vaz's pro-
nationalist Nationalism is an idea or movement that holds that the nation should be congruent with the State (polity), state. As a movement, it presupposes the existence and tends to promote the interests of a particular nation,Anthony D. Smith, Smith, A ...
stance led him to join the Azad Gomantak Dal (AGD), a
political organization A political organization is any organization that involves itself in the political process, including political parties, non-governmental organizations, and special interest advocacy groups. Political organizations are those engaged in polit ...
, where he worked closely with Mussolini Menezes, the secretary of AGD. Menezes, who also wrote and staged ''tiatrs'', played a significant role in Vaz's theatrical journey. Vaz had the opportunity to act and sing in several of Menezes's plays, including productions like ''Ravji Ranno'', ''Padrichem Bondd'', and ''Martyrs of Cuncolim''. Through these collaborations, Vaz's talent and versatility were recognized by other directors in the Konkani theater scene, leading to a surge in offers for roles in ''tiatrs'' by popular directors such as J. P. Souzalin,
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 ...
, Anthony D'Sa,
Saib Rocha Domingos José "Saib" Rocha (23 August 1898 – 28 April 1972), also known as A. J. Rocha, was an Indian playwright, theatre director, and actor known for his work in ''tiatr'' productions. Referred to as the "Lion of the Konkani stage", Rocha ...
,
A. R. Souza Ferrão Augusto Remédios Souza (1 June 1909 – 6 March 1978), known professionally as A. R. Souza Ferrão (or simply Souza Ferrão), was an Indian actor, playwright, theatre director, producer, singer, and composer known for his work in Konkani films ...
, Alfred Rose, C. Alvares, and Jacinto Vaz, J. P. Souzalin, in particular, entrusted Vaz with significant roles in his religious plays, where Vaz demonstrated his ability to convincingly portray various
Roman characters The Latin script, also known as the Roman script, is a writing system based on the letters of the classical Latin alphabet, derived from a form of the Greek alphabet which was in use in the ancient Greek city of Cumae in Magna Graecia. The Gree ...
. This resulted in acclaim from audiences. As Vaz solidified his position on the stage, he began exploring his creative potential as a writer. He authored a total of 27 ''tiatrs'' throughout his career, with works including ''Ajente Monteiro'', ''Shantichem Login'' (Peaceful Marriage), ''Opinion Poll'', ''Dada'', ''Barabas'', ''Ghatki Salome'', ''Biatin'', ''Sam Juanv Batist'', ''Saddam Hussain'', and ''Put Konnancho''. Among Vaz's repertoire, religious plays such as ''Adanv Ani Eva'', ''Barabas'', ''Dominic Savio'', ''Don Bosco'', ''Fatima Saibinn'', ''Sam Juanv Baptist'', and ''Ghatki Salomen'' stood out. These plays showcased Vaz's ability to engage and connect with audiences through thought-provoking
narrative A narrative, story, or tale is any account of a series of related events or experiences, whether non-fictional (memoir, biography, news report, documentary, travel literature, travelogue, etc.) or fictional (fairy tale, fable, legend, thriller ...
s. His final ''tiatr'' was ''Miss Isabel''. One of Vaz's significant accomplishments was his self-penned ''
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 ...
'' titled ''Ajente Monteiro'', which he wrote, directed, and staged shortly after Goa's liberation. In this production, Vaz portrayed the character of Agente Monteiro, a Portuguese officer known for his
oppressive Oppression is malicious or unjust treatment of, or exercise of power over, a group of individuals, often in the form of governmental authority. Oppression may be overt or covert, depending on how it is practiced. No universally accepted model ...
tactics, particularly against
freedom fighter A freedom fighter is a person engaged in a struggle to achieve political freedom, particularly against an established government. The term is typically reserved for those who are actively involved in armed or otherwise violent rebellion. Termi ...
s. Vaz's portrayal of this role was acclaimed for its skill and authenticity. Vaz also showcased his talent in a selection of Konkani films. His contributions include acting in Konkani movies such as '' Nirmon'', ''Sukhachem Sopon'', ''Kortubancho Sounsar'', ''Mhoji Ghorkarn'', and ''
Bhuierantlo Munis ''Bhuierantlo Munis'' () is a 1977 Indian Konkani-language drama film. The first colour film in Konkani, it was produced under the banner of Chripton Motion Pictures by Tony Coutinho and Chris Perry and released in 1977. The film was shot in G ...
''. Vaz's versatility as an actor extended beyond regional cinema, as he had also made appearances in
Hindi films Hindi cinema, popularly known as Bollywood and formerly as Bombay cinema, is primarily produced in Mumbai. The popular term Bollywood is a portmanteau of "Bombay" (former name of Mumbai) and "Hollywood". The industry, producing films in th ...
, including ''Aap ki Izzat Aap Bachao'' and ''Asit Sinha'', earning recognition for his performances on the
silver screen A silver screen, also known as a silver lenticular screen, is a type of projection screen that was popular in the early years of the motion picture industry and passed into popular usage as a metonym for the cinema industry. The term silver scr ...
. In addition to his achievements in film, Vaz made significant contributions to the traditional
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 ...
form known as ''tiatr''. He had an extensive
repertoire Repertory or repertoire () is the list or set of works a person or company is accustomed to performing. Whether the English or French spelling is used has no bearing, but it was the French word, with an accent on the first e, , that first took ho ...
of over 1000 performances, both in his own productions and collaborations with other ''tiatr'' artists. Vaz's musical talents are evident in his compositions and his performances as a singer. Among his most beloved songs are "Sitaram Gaddiwala," "Kunbi Vauraddi," "Backbay-chem Varem," "Pipirmitt," "Va-Re-Va," and "Darling Lucy." Vaz's influence extended to the realm of
folk song Folk music is a music genre that includes #Traditional folk music, traditional folk music and the Contemporary folk music, contemporary genre that evolved from the former during the 20th-century folk revival. Some types of folk music may be ca ...
s and
dances Dance is an The arts, art form, consisting of sequences of body movements with aesthetic and often Symbol, symbolic value, either improvised or purposefully selected. Dance can be categorized and described by its choreography, by its repertoir ...
, where he had made contributions. With his
folklore Folklore is the body of expressive culture shared by a particular group of people, culture or subculture. This includes oral traditions such as Narrative, tales, myths, legends, proverbs, Poetry, poems, jokes, and other oral traditions. This also ...
troupe, Vaz has traveled extensively, introducing Goan folk songs to the ''tiatr'' stage. This endeavor not only expanded the repertoire of
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 ...
folk music but also garnered popularity among the local
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, ...
population. Even today, Vaz's folk songs, including "Vavra Voitai," "Zatrek Vetam," and "Madly of Folk Songs," continue to resonate with audiences. Furthermore, Vaz demonstrated a skill in creating Konkani songs specifically intended for stage performances. His compositions, including "Pipirmitt" and "Konkani Bhas", remain appreciated and are available through
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 ...
. His passion for folklore led him to host popular programs on folk songs at
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
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 ...
. To this day, his folk songs remain popular on All India Radio, reaching audiences in
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 ...
and Mumbai. Vaz's talent as a
folk singer Folk music is a music genre that includes traditional folk music and the contemporary genre that evolved from the former during the 20th-century folk revival. Some types of folk music may be called world music. Traditional folk music has b ...
and dancer became known, as he composed songs inspired by various Goan traditions, such as
Kunbi Kunbi (alternatively Kanbi) (Marathi language, Marathi: ISO 15919: ''Kuṇabī'', Gujarati language, Gujarati: ISO 15919: ''Kaṇabī'') is a generic term applied to several caste system, castes of traditional farmers in Western India. These ...
, Kharvi, Xetkamti,
Deknni ''Deknni'' (also spelled ''dekhnnî'', ''dekni'', ''dekṇi'', ''dekhṇi'') is a semi-ballet, classical Goans, Goan dance form. The plural of ''Dekhnnî'' in Konkani remains the same. Overview One of the earliest which may be dated around 18 ...
, and
Fugdi Fugdi is a folk dance performed by the womenfolk of some communities of Konkanies in the Konkan coastal region of Goa and Maharashtra states during the Hindu religious festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Vrata or towards the end of other dances ...
. Vaz's contributions to the arts have been recognized with many awards, spanning his ''tiatrs'', songs, and
folk dance A folk dance is a dance that reflects the life of the people of a certain country or region. Not all ethnic dances are folk dances. For example, Ritual, ritual dances or dances of ritual origin are not considered to be folk dances. Ritual dances ...
s. He had also released several
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 ...
s, including ''Goa with Love'' and ''Unforgettable Hits''. Throughout his career, Vaz had the opportunity to perform at prestigious events and functions across India. Despite dedicating over four decades to the Konkani stage, Vaz managed a successful career in a firm in Bombay. In the 1990s, he retired from his job to focus on completing unfinished projects. Alongside his professional endeavors, Vaz produced three of his own audio cassettes and featured in ten others. He has toured various cities, including Bombay, Goa, and
Poona Pune ( ; , ISO 15919, ISO: ), previously spelled in English as Poona (List of renamed Indian cities and states#Maharashtra, the official name until 1978), is a city in the state of Maharashtra in the Deccan Plateau, Deccan plateau in Western ...
.


Personal life

Robin Vaz was born on 20 October 1932, in
Cuncolim Cuncolim is a town in South Goa district in the state of Goa, India. Geography Cuncolim is located at . It has an average elevation of . History It is a former village, now with a municipal council of its own, in the south Goa sub-district ...
,
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 ...
, 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 time of 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 ...
. His parents were Pedro Vaz and Valentina. Growing up in Cuncolim, Vaz was exposed to the vibrant songs and festivities of the
Kunbi Kunbi (alternatively Kanbi) (Marathi language, Marathi: ISO 15919: ''Kuṇabī'', Gujarati language, Gujarati: ISO 15919: ''Kaṇabī'') is a generic term applied to several caste system, castes of traditional farmers in Western India. These ...
laborers who lived near his home. It was his mother, Valentina, who nurtured his passion for ''
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 ...
'' by taking him to local performances, including one by
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 ...
, featuring
A. R. Souza Ferrão Augusto Remédios Souza (1 June 1909 – 6 March 1978), known professionally as A. R. Souza Ferrão (or simply Souza Ferrão), was an Indian actor, playwright, theatre director, producer, singer, and composer known for his work in Konkani films ...
, which left a lasting impression on young Vaz. Inspired by what he witnessed, Vaz began organizing his own mini concerts and children's ''tiatrs'' at home, using makeshift curtains made from bedsheets. His friends from the village joined him, assuming the roles of popular ''
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'' of the time, such as J. P. Souzalin, A. R. Souza Ferrão, Anthony D'Sa, and Miss Julie. This early involvement in ''tiatr'' fueled Vaz's love for the art form, which continued to grow as he matured. Vaz went on to establish himself as a known figure in the world of Konkani ''tiatr'', making contributions to its development. By 1995, he had settled with his family in Kalina, Santacruz,
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 ...
. On 16 November 2002, Vaz died in
Margao Margao (, ) is the commercial capital of the Indian state of Goa. It stands on the banks of the river Sal. It is the district headquarters of South Goa, and administrative headquarters of Salcete sub-district. It is Goa's second largest ci ...
, at the age of 70.


Character assessment

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 ...
, a historian and singer specializing in
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 ...
culture, describes Vaz as an individual deeply connected to the world of music. Mazarello highlights how even the faintest sound of music would set Vaz's substantial frame in motion, as if his being resonated with the rhythms. This affinity with music was a defining characteristic of Vaz throughout his life, from his early years to his later stages. While the precise measurement of his height remains unknown, Vaz is widely acknowledged as the tallest and most imposing figure in the history of ''
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 ...
'', 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 ...
. Moreover, Vaz possessed a unique charisma that captivated audiences, and his presence on stage, combined with his rhythmic dancing, infused the atmosphere with vibrant energy. Due to his physical stature, Vaz acquired the moniker "giant of the Konkani stage." Additionally, his comedic talents and humorous songs led some to compare him to the iconic
comedy duo A double act (also known as a comedy duo) is a form of comedy originating in the British music hall tradition, and American vaudeville, in which two comedians perform together as a single act, often highlighting differences in their characters' ...
, "
Laurel and Hardy Laurel and Hardy were a British-American double act, comedy duo during the early Classical Hollywood cinema, Classical Hollywood era of American cinema, consisting of Englishman Stan Laurel (1890–1965) and American Oliver Hardy (1892–1957) ...
." Wilson Mazarello characterizes Vaz as a highly amiable individual, a figure who left a lasting impression on those who knew him.


Selected stage works


Select discography


Singles

* ''Kunbi Vauraddi'' (1965) * ''Sitaram Gaddiwalla'' (1966) * ''Darling Lucy'' (1977) * ''Pipirmitt'' (1981) * ''Vare-Va'' (1981) * ''Backbaychem Varem'' (1981)


References


External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Vaz, Robin 1932 births 2002 deaths Goan people Tiatrists Musicians from South Goa district Writers from South Goa district Konkani-language singers