Over the years, numerous individuals have made valuable contributions to the growth of the tiatr stage through their song compositions and tiatrs, leaving a lasting legacy for posterity. One of those legends of the Konkani stage was Cortalim-based Minguel Manoel Rodrigues, popularly known as Minguel Rod.
This year marks the birth centenary of Minguel Rod, the noted tiatrist of yesteryears.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Born on August 10, 1924, Minguel was the son of Antonio Manoel Rodrigues and Dominica Vincenta. He married Rita Maria Rodrigues from Sao Jacinto Island, Dabolim, and they were blessed with five children.
As a child, he received no formal education in school and, as such, could hardly read or write. Yet, during his lifetime, this talented tiatrist penned around 300 songs (all masterpieces of the Konkani stage).
Interestingly, despite having several original song compositions to his credit, Minguel had no formal training in playwriting.
He received great support from his fellow villagers for the concerts staged in his village. During his time in Mumbai, he was given the chance to sing a song in a tiatr by a man called, Frank Aguiar.
And so, in 1941, this is how Minguel made his debut in commercial Konkani tiatrs.
Around 1943, he returned to Goa, and he found an entry in Joao Agostinho Fernandes’ tiatr, Bebdo, where he was invited to sing songs for the production, which was staged in Mapusa on May 2, 1943.
His unique style on stage, his composing skills and his gesticulations, while singing, impressed many directors. Pai Tiatrist, Joao Agostinho Fernandes recommended him to Souza Ferrao, who roped him in his tiatr, Xetkamti, and his original compositions captured the hearts of the audience.
His unique style on stage, his composing skills and his gesticulations, while singing, impressed many directors.
FROM MUSIC TO PLAYS
Recognising his growing popularity, he eventually penned his first tiatr, Duddvancho Fors, which established him as a playwright. As contractors rushed to book his tiatrs, the prominence of renowned tiatrists like Saib Rocha, JP Souzalin and Souza Ferrao began to diminish
Tiatrs penned by Minguel Rod included Gorib Xezari, Gorvachem Kestanv, Joanv Sastikar, Nirddukai, Open to Close, Bapulbhav, Mest Dorji, Lembdo Santan and Civil Marriage, among others.
Bobor, Burak Puroi, Dondubal, Dotik Rodta, Fotto Fotto, Mest, Tarvotti, Pek Pek Pek, Novo Zanvoim and Fara Fara are some of his most popular songs.
Minguel is also the founder of trio, ‘Kid-Young-Rod’, and some of his hit songs have been recorded by HMV.
“The immense contributions made by the son of the soil, and our village, by way of original compositions and tiatrs cannot be ignored,” says the general secretary of the Minguel Rod & Jr Rod Foundation, Francisco Esteves.
“This stalwart of the Konkani stage and hero of the golden era of the Konkani theatre will be remembered for his originality in each of his genuine creations,” adds Esteves.
As part of Minguel Rod’s birth centenary celebrations, the Minguel Rod & Jr Rod Foundation, a non-profit organisation, will stage a musical fiesta ‘Songitachi Sanz’ at the Cortalim Church Square on December 30, 2024 at 6.30 pm.
The event will feature noted singers from Cortalim as well as the Konkani stage. Tomazinho Cardozo will grace the occasion as the chief guest while South Goa MP, Viriato Fernandes will be the guest of honour.