A tiatrist and a gentleman
When a handsome, grey-eyed, young man named Celestino Alvares stepped on to the Konkani stage in the early 1940s to make his debut as a tiatrist, something exciting was taking place in the tiatr world. Thanks to a burst of fresh talent, Konkani tiatr was experiencing a period of rejuvenation and was transitioning into what came to be called the Golden Phase.
Some of the new stars faded away into oblivion in a few years. But some like the immensely talented Celestino shone brighter with the passage of time and continued to dazzle tiatr audiences for decades.
Having started out with singing songs and displaying his acting skills on the Konkani stage, young Celestino moved on to writing scripts and songs for tiatrs and even directing them. Soon, he came to be popularly known as C. Alvares and that’s the professional name he stayed with till he exited from the world stage.
The birth of a legendary star
Celestino Santana Francisco Alvares was born on 1 August 1920 in the village of Saligao in Bardez, Goa. He first performed on the stage in his father’s tiatr as a young lad of seven singing a comic song composed by his cousin, the tiatrist Champion Alvares.
Around a decade later, he moved to Bombay and made his professional debut on the tiatr stage at the age of 18 when he sang five songs in Champion Alvares’s production – Bhattkar Goencho ani Cuzner Bombaimcho (A land owner from Goa, and a cook from Bombay). The audience was delighted with his performance. Not just that, he attracted the attention of the successful tiatr producer-directors of that time including J. P. Souzalin, Alexinho de Candolim, and the ‘Father of Konkani tiatr‘ – Joao Agostinho Fernandes. Soon, with enough offers coming his way, he began performing in tiatrs all over the city.
Within a couple of years, when he was barely 20 years old, as a member of the ‘Hula Boys Drama Company’, Alvares penned his own tiatr – Atam Zanvoim Tuzo Hanv (Now I’m your son-in-law). He also wrote and composed all the 25 songs for this production. The tiatr was a hit. And after that there was no looking back for the talented new tiatrist C. Alvares whose popularity kept surging with every performance and every tiatr he staged.
Shortly afterwards he began writing and producing his tiatrs independently and won acclaim not only for his elegant style of singing and dialogue delivery, but also for his skills as an accomplished actor, writer, lyricist, and director. In particular, the hugely popular duets he wrote and sang earned him the sobriquet “King of duets”.
An evergreen hero, accomplished all-rounder, dedicated tiatrist
Not many may be aware that this stylish, evergreen hero of the Konkani stage actually started out by accepting comic roles. It might be hard to imagine C. Alvares providing comic relief in tiatrs, but he performed these roles with finesse.
However, given the shortage of tiatrists who could fit into the role of a ‘hero’, Alvares decided to take on lead roles in tiatrs. After all, he had the talent and the looks to go with it. Not surprisingly, his switch to protagonist roles too met with success.
In the 1940s and 1950s there were hardly any women taking part in tiatrs. Instead, many male tiatrists like Andrew, Star of Arrossim, and Remmie Colaco enacted female roles. So, in the beginning, C. Alvares often had a male artist in drag as his heroine. He even performed one of his most popular duets Tarvar Vetam (I’m going out to sea) in 1953 with Remmie Colaco all decked up as a bride!
To C. Alvares goes the credit of smashing prevailing misconceptions about tiatrists. He made concerted efforts to project acting on stage as a respectable profession, and encouraged female artistes to become tiatrists. His very first stage production included a song titled ‘Tiatristank Movali Kiteak Mhunttat?‘ (Why are tiatrists considered disreputable characters?).
Alvares was instrumental in getting many talented Goan women to take a bow on the Konkani stage. Both Miss Mohana who was already being cast in Hindi movies, and her younger sister, Ophelia, were introduced to Konkani tiatr audiences by C. Alvares. He also got the well-known Marathi stage actress Shalini Mardolkar and many others including Betty Ferns to make their debut in tiatrs. Till today, Goan women are taking to the tiatr stage following in the footsteps of these celebrated female tiatrists of the past.
Sao Joao, Sun (with Mohana), Figur addlam putan (with Ophelia), Pettoi Diye (with Ophelia), Ghovachem Ghor (with Antonette), and Dotor ani Kuzner (with M. Boyer) were some of C. Alvares’s many hit songs. And yes, who can ever forget Claudia, that all-time favourite from the Konkani film Nirmon that was produced and had music composed by another great Goan – Frank Fernand – and for which he also wrote the lyrics?
During the thriving Golden Phase of tiatr, the popular venues for staging the Konkani plays in Bombay used to be Rang Bhavan, Bhangwadi, Victoria Gardens, and St. Mary’s School Hall in Mazagon, with tickets selling for the princely sums of Rs 4, 5 and 6 at the ‘Jack of All’ stall near Gloria Church, Byculla.
Those were the days when Kyani and Bastani used to be the favourite stamping grounds of tiatrists like C. Alvares, Remmie Colaco, M. Boyer, Cyriaco Dias, and others, where over steaming cups of cutting chai and oven fresh snacks or bread pudding they would discuss their tiatr scripts, songs, and other issues related to their profession.
C. Alvares was known to be a thorough gentleman and very generous both in treating his colleagues when they met at the Dhobitalao restaurants and also when it came to sharing the profits of his tiatrs with his artistes and technicians. He was a teetotaler and non-smoker, and led a disciplined life.
Completely dedicated to his profession, C. Alvares was one of the few ‘full time’ tiatrists of his time. During his career that spanned almost five decades, he scripted more than 100 tiatrs. A few of his much acclaimed tiatrs include Nirdducai, Atancheo Suno, Kednam Udetolo To Dis, Xezari Combo, Jurament, and Goencho Mog. Besides Bombay and Goa, his tiatrs were staged even at locations outside India that had a sizable Goan population such as the Middle East, the UK, and East Africa.
Contributions to memorable Konkani films
Not only did tiatrist C. Alvares play the lead role in the hit Konkani films Amchem Noxib and Nirmon, he even penned the lyrics for many of the much loved songs from these films including Mollbailo dou, Bencdaita pai (featuring the amazingly talented tiatrist Anthony Mendes), Don kallzam, Dol mojea bai, and Claudia. He also starred in the film Mhoji Ghorkarn.
For his outstanding performance in Nirmon, C. Alvares won the National Award for Best Actor at the hands of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In 1997, at the Goa State Film Festival, he won the Best Supporting Actor Award for his performance in Faxi Mogachi, a film that he had also directed.
The end of an era
This stalwart of Konkani tiatr died at the age of 78 in Mumbai on 27 February 1999 following a heart attack. Befitting his passionate attachment to his art, C. Alvares passed away with his boots on. When the end came, he was engrossed in producing a new Konkani video film that his daughter Capucina finally completed.
Soon after his demise, one by one many other doyens of Konkani tiatr too passed into the annals of history. Alfred Rose, M. Boyer, Remmie Colaco, and more recently, Shalini, and Ophelia, and other celebrated contemporaries of C. Alvares – all pillars of the tiatr stage, passed away, signalling in a way the end of a glorious era of Konkani theatre.
Don’t miss this gem: ‘Puran Poli‘, a duet with Ophelia
And the all-time favourite – CLAUDIA from the superhit Konkani film NIRMONN.
Thanks for the detailed account on the legendary performer. Alvares was a hot favourite among tiatr-goers and kantar-lovers of that era. He proved his versatility by playing the villain in the Konkani film Bhuiarantlo Munis – perhaps the only negative role he assayed in his entire acting career.
Glad you found my blog post interesting. Yes, C. Alvares was a versatile tiatrist and extremely popular too.
Hi Veena. Interesting blog post on our uncle C. Alvares. His son, my cousin, also died of a heart attack in Canada a few years ago. My sister Violet D’Costa was his heroine for over 4 years and sang duets with him regularly. I used to go to watch her perform at Bangawadi. She also acted in JP Souzalin’s dramas. Violet stopped acting once she got married. But, though she had acted alongside Ophelia, Philomena, Cecilia Marchado, and Antonette I am surprised her name never surfaces when tiatrists are discussed. Maybe that’s because she did not continue acting in tiatrs. Remmie, Souza Ferrao, and many more tiatrists used to come to our house in Dhobitalao on Sundays. I did take C.Alvares to Bahrain along with Jacint Vaz, Mary, Remmie, and Betty in the 1980s. Presently I am in Canada. My mum’s late brother, Valente Mascarenhas, was also a well know actor in Goa.
I sincerely liked your blog but a bit disappointed that my sister’s name is not mentioned. Antonette too knows her well.
Thank you for the appreciation, Francis. I’m sure your sister Violet is very talented and her work must have been liked by thousands of tiatr lovers. But, I’m sorry I never came across her name while researching the information available about the great tiatrist and your uncle – C. Alvares. Often, the work of good actors does not get the attention it deserves. That’s sad. But that’s the way things happen in life sometimes.
Wow. Such a well researched piece that does full justice to a beloved son of Goa. Thank you.
Thanks for the compliments, Cynthia.
Well written and a prefect tribute to the great tiatrist C. Alvares
Thanks for appreciating my piece, Joe.
…We need to make Goans aware of their rich musical and theatrical past. And of their simply inimitable tiatrists. Need information on some more personalities to be brought to light.
Agree with you 100% Geraldo. Will try my best to shine a light on more of our illustrious tiatrists of yesteryear.
Really, It is exciting to know about the pillars of our konkani singers and theatrists. Do you know any thing about one of our old konkani singers by name Dolly ? I remember one of her songs “Andio gassing” It goes like
Very nice my dress I’m telling.
Pun aum cuznant service coring.
Sogle mest tea marketante, mogea
Mogan podong soding.
and so on.
I really appreciate the work of
Veena Patwardhan.
It will be very nice to hear something about you. Are you from Goa?
It is exciting to know about the pillars of our Konkani stage singers and tiatrists. Do you know any thing about one of our old Konkani singers by the name of Dolly? I remember one of her songs “Handio gassing” It goes like this:
Very nice my dress I’m telling.
Pun aum cuznant service coring.
Sogle mest tea marketante,
Mogea mogan podong soding.
and so on.
I really appreciate your work. Are you from Goa?
Glad you found the post an exciting read Elivio. Sorry, I have no knowledge of a Konkani stage singer named Dolly. However, I know that our great tiatrist Alfred Roses’s daughter’s name is Alria Dolly Rose and she is also a singer. To answer your last question, yes I am from Goa and a true blue Goan.
Thought I’d inform you that Capucina Alvares, daughter of the late C. Alvares, has released a new Konkani audio CD – ‘C. Alvares – The King of Duets’ dedicated to her brother the late Clarence Alvares and parents late Kathleen n late C. Alvares.
The album includes 12 beautiful gems of C. Alvares sung by Capucina, Betty Naz, Succorine, Babli, Samantha, Krisandra, Julius, Joel, Kenny-kenneth Zuzarte, Francis,Carrie, Saby Fernandes, and Ashford. The music for this album is by Day Breakers Beat Band – Manuel and Julius Noronha. All the duets are from old records which are not available now. I must say all the singers have done their best for the success of this album including the music. The CD is currently available in shops selling Konkani music in Mumbai.
Thanks for this information Eddie. I’m sure fans of Konkani music in general and C. Alvares in particular will find this update interesting. I wish Capucina all the best for this C.D. and also her other ventures.
There is a very slow Goan song sung by a female voice…..Tu mozo dheer,aadhaar, borvason. Please can you tell me her name and from where to download it? I think it’s from an old Goan Konkani movie. I heard it on Golden Goa Konkani Radio. Thanks a ton.
Alvin, this song is not from a Konkani movie. It’s an old, popular number sung by Rita Rose, wife of the late, great Konkani tiatrist Alfred Rose. I looked on youtube and found it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjKBWtZ55TM
Will remember the times when we sipped tea together at Kyani’s and talked about the state of the tiatr. A couple of times he came with Ophelia, then his “girlfriend” and later he would come with Betty Fernandes. He was a romantic, with his good looks and grey-bluish eyes. A true ladies’ man, for sure.
He spent many evenngs at the Bombay Hockey Association hall playing cards, his other great passion.
Always immaculately dressed and with a steady poise and ready smile, he could charm any woman’s heart. Found him polite and respectful. His songs, particularly duets, will remain on Konkani lovers lips forever.
Thanks for sharing your memories of an iconic tiatrist and great Goan, Eugene.
Thanks for doing a great job Veena. I had the privilege of watching C Alvares perform at Mapusa in the 70s. I do watch your YouTube clips and Istimosanv Rozachem is my favorite. It brings back memories of my growing up in Chorao where singing of Mandos was a must during the April/May holidays. Yes, Bhangwadi and Bastani were words my grandfather uttered a lot as he lived in the Chorao club (Khuud) at Dhobi Talao.
The above message is sent from freezing Canada where I am based. May the Good Lord Bless You and your family
Many, many thanks Malcolm, for the warm appreciation of my writing and mando videos. May God keep you warm and in good health in ‘freezing’ Canada. Take care!
Wonderful work, Veena. Very useful information.
Thanks for the appreciation, Jose. Glad you found the post useful.
A great tribute to a Konkani legend, Veena. Hats off to you for the write up. Came to know a lot about our legendary Goan actor. I always listened to his songs and went for most of his tiatrs. May his soul rest in peace.
God bless you. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the kind words and good wishes, Tom.
A great artist and a wonderful man. My brother and I had the privilege of acting and singing along with him. It was an honour for us to act alongside a big star like him and other stars in his tiatr “Kon noi konacho” which he also directed by C. Alvares. I will always cherish those days of my life. Long live C. Alvares !!!
Performing on stage along with tiatr legends like C. Alvares must surely have been a memorable experience for you, Sebastiao.
Thank you Veena for sharing such valuable information. I had the privilege of meeting the great tiatrist once, a very soft spoken gentleman.
You were privileged indeed, Francisco.
Hi Veena,
Your article surely is one which will be noted down in history, for years to follow.
Really appreciate your efforts to get so much of information about this Great Legend with whom I had the privilege and opportunity to perform under his direction for many of his Tiatrs, namely, PATKI NHOI GHATKI, ATANCHEO SUNNO, KONNEM LAILA UZO, MOJEM ROGOT, ZAU ZAU TEG BHAU, TUJEM DURIG MOJEA BHATANT, and many more.
A Wonderful gentleman, for me a ‘father figure’, always there to listen to my problems and give me the appropriate advice.
His daughter, Ms. CAPUCINA ALVARES, is carrying on the legacy of his works, and I wish her All success to keep her late, legendary father’s work alive in the memory of KONKANI Lovers.
I do miss his presence in Our KONKANI ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. May his soul rest in peace.
Veena, there is an error where his date of DEATH is concerned.
It is not 28th February, 1999…it is 27th February, 1999.
Thank You Veena and God bless.💐🙏
Thank you for the very generous appreciation, Kenneth. And thanks for the information of the correct date of death of this doyen of the Konkani stage – C. Alvares. I always check the veracity of birth and death dates by researching different resources for such information. In the case of C. Alvares unfortunately, many articles and sources (including Wikipedia and a tribute article in a Times of India website) mention the wrong date. After your comment, I did some more research and found that more than one person who knew this great Goan personally, have mentioned the same date as you have. So, I’m correcting the date in my article. Thanks once again for alerting me to the error.