[From L to R]: Veraphina Dias, Herschel Mascarenhas and Myron Estibeiro in the studio while recording the song ‘Porot Ietam’.
PANAJI
An original song from the Konkani film ‘Mog Asum’, which has been recently released on YouTube, addresses the Goan diaspora with a focus on migration, forgiveness, second chances, and coming back home.
The song ‘Porot Ietam’ is part of the Konkani film ‘Mog Asum’, which has been directed by Angelo Braganza.
THE FILM
When contacted, Braganza described his film ‘Mog Asum’ as a light-hearted part-fantasy-comic narrative of a deceased wife asking her husband to “please move on”.
Asked why he had decided on this theme, Braganza replied: “Whilst growing up, many of us listened to our elders telling us stories on our balcao, the ghost ones were goose-bump fascinating stuff. This film has a delicate story, it touches you, doesn’t complicate your mind. It’s joyous (considering that it’s a ghost/Angel story) but somewhere lurking is the big elephant in the room ‘Death’.”
Braganza said the film ‘Mog Asum’, which has stories within the story, had a soft release in Goa, with 2 screenings in Margao and about 6-8 in Panaji.
To a query on the response to the film so far, Braganza said: “The audience has to still see it. It’s a film – fragile and open to interpretation. It’s success in dependent on the love of the audience.”
THE SONG
One of the original soundtracks in the film is ‘Porot Ietam’, which appeals directly to the Goan diaspora.
Braganza said he and Myron Estibeiro had written the lyrics while Myron composed the melody and Veraphina Dias sang the song.
“The song was recorded at Star Shack Studio, Margao, owned by Herschel Mascarenhas,” said Braganza.
Explaining the purpose of the song, Braganza said the focus is on realism, on human emotions and frailties, how life takes charge and people get sucked into it.
“Outward migration has taken a toll on Goa. Though away, almost all overseas Goans can’t seem to forget their identity and their rich motherland. The song is about second chances,” said Braganza.
“The message that I was trying to convey is about migration, forgiveness, second chances and coming back home, besides the power of love.”
Braganza said the song ‘Porot Ietam’ was released on YouTube (Mogasum-thefilm) on October 3.
“We have also released another song ‘Moji Khuxalkai’ a few months ago. It’s a tribute to the city of Panaji within the film,” he said.
When asked for his message to the Goan diaspora, Braganza replied: “I am not qualified to give a message to anyone. As a filmmaker and an observer, I can only place a mirror in-front of the community.”
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BRIAN D'SOUZA
For THE GOAN
The Konkani film ‘Mog Asum’ features a beautiful song called Porot Ietam (Coming Back). This song is a warm tribute to Goans living far from home. It speaks about missing Goa, remembering its sights and smells, and the happiness of returning.
From the first note, ‘Porot Ietam’ brings back memories — the sound of waves on the beach, the smell of Poi and spicy Xacuti, and the joy of family gatherings. It’s not just music; it’s a feeling that lives in the hearts of Goans wherever they are.
The song shows the strong bond Goans have with their homeland. Whether someone is in London, Dubai, Melbourne, or New York, ‘Porot Ietam’ reminds them that Goa is always close. It celebrates the strength of Goans abroad and their love for their roots.
Angelo Braganza, director of the film ‘Mog Asum’, has created a song that mixes feelings of longing with hope. It doesn’t just talk about coming back — it honours the real stories of Goans who left home, worked hard, and dream of returning one day.
‘Porot Ietam’ is more than a soundtrack. It’s a message to every Goan: no matter how far you go, Goa is part of you. The song invites us to remember our culture, language, and way of life.
As people listen to ‘Porot Ietam’, it touches their hearts and brings them closer to home. For every Goan living overseas, this song is a gentle voice saying, “Come back. Goa is waiting for you.”
[The writer is a dispute resolution professional hailing from Arambol and presently settled in Australia.]
