Remembering the reign of Goa’s ‘melody queen’, Antonette Mendes

The tiatr stage and big screen lost an actress and singer of yesteryears when Antonette Mendes, popularly known as ‘melody queen’, passed away after prolonged illness in Bandra, Mumbai, on April 7, 2024.

Konkani songs Piti, Piti, Piti, Piti and Claudia, Mogachea, rendered by Antonette in her melodious voice took the Goan community by storm back in the day, and those popular renditions are still aired on several occasions.

EARLY YEARS & LEGACY

Born on May 10, 1944, in Mumbai, Antonia Mendes was born to Innocencia and A K D’Souza. She was a prominent figure in Konkani theatre as well as the music scenario.

At the tender age of 14, though she never had a wish to be part of the tiatr world, Antonette stepped onto the tiatr stage for the first time in her father’s tiatr, Hanv to Tarvotti, followed by tiatrs, Aum To Tarvotti and Fuddar directed by Kid Boxer.

Taking cognisance of her acting skills, she also found easy entry into Konkani films such as Amchem Noxib and Nirmon, which touched the hearts of many viewers.

Her demise leaves behind a legacy that will endure forever.

Mendes’ death after a prolonged illness will be a significant loss to the Konkani theatre, film industry and the Konkani language. Her mesmerising voice, especially when delivering the cantos on the tiatr stage and captivating acting skills endeared her to audiences across generations.

Mendes’ presence in several tiatrs and films of yesteryears and her selfless contribution towards the growth of art, both on stage and screen, was immense.

Her demise leaves a significant void in the field Konkani entertainment industry.

Antonette’s close aide informs that during the Covid-19 pandemic, she got infected with the deadly virus, from which she had gradually recovered, but needed external support of oxygen. Fighting for her life during her sunset years, she gave a spirited battle till the end.

AN EXTRAORDINARY ACTRESS

Antonette’s theatrical skills prompted many noted tiatr directors of her day to rope her in their productions. She performed to the expectations of all the directors in several tiatrs in Mumbai, Goa and even East Africa.

Extraordinary acting and singing skills motivated Antonette to step into the director’s shoes and she scripted and directed two tiatrs – Obgath and Tum Saiba Konn.

She made a mark on stage in tiatrs staged by tiatr directors P Souzalin, Kid Boxer, Master Vaz, C Alvares, Prem Kumar, Alfred Rose, M Boyer, Anil Kumar, Chris Perry, Titta Pretto, H Briton, Jacinto Vaz, Remmie Colaco and several others.

This melody queen and noted tiatrist also rendered her melodious voice to over 500 audio recordings. Her first two songs, Nanv Mhojem Kaiborem Escolas and a duet with Greg in Mhaka Borich Bhairi Poddli were exceptional.

Some of the songs rendered by Antonette include Alfred Rose’ Suknnem, Kazari Bhoinnik Lagon, Savkaralo Por and Norsichem Fugasanv; Chris Perry’s songs, Por, Pitti Pitti Mog; Robin Vaz’ songs Mar Khava and Pipirmitt; Joe Rose’ songs, Tiklem and Bebdem.

She married tiatrist, Romeo Mendes in 1966, and with the blessings of her husband released 17 audio cassettes.

She was blessed with three daughters and one among them, Judy, married noted tiatrist, Jose Rod, who is presently recuperating in Goa. Her sister, Fatima, too, is a stage artiste and residing in Goa.

Reminiscing moments with Antonette, veteran tiatrist, Cyriaco Dias said that their relationship grew from 1958 and it continued for years.

“As a person,” Dias says, “she was down to earth, very helpful and encouraging. With her parting, only memories are left behind.”

Mumbai-based Kenny Zuzarte said that Antonette was very close to him and there were cordial relations between them.

“She was very fond of me as we have been together on stage in Prem Kumar’s tiatr, Tum Modem Poddo Naka; Joe Rose’s tiatr, Kal, Az Ani Faleam; C Alvares’ tiatr, Konnem Lailo Uzo; Tony Martins’ tiatr, Xezarnichi Kombi; and Alfred Rose’ tiatr, Angovnnechi Okol.