PANAJI
Antonette Mendes, widely known as "melody queen" and a prolific tiatr actress, breathed her last in Mumbai on Sunday. She was 80.
According to her sister Fatima, the funeral is most likely to be held on April 10 in Mumbai.
Mendes, whose profound performances in films like ‘Nirmon’ and ‘Amchem Noxib’ touched many hearts, leaves behind a legacy that will endure.
Her contributions to Konkani cinema, theatre, and language were invaluable, making her a cherished figure in the hearts of Goans.
Her death will be a significant loss to the Konkani film industry, tiatr stage and the Konkani language. She will always be remembered fondly by the people of Goa.
Antonette's mesmerising voice and captivating acting skills endeared her to audiences across generations. Her presence on stage and screen brought joy and inspiration to countless fans. Her demise leaves a significant void in the Konkani entertainment industry, one that will be hard to fill.
Sharing some beloved memories of her sister, Fatima said, "she was one of the best sisters and a wonderful human being".
"During the Covid pandemic, Antonette was infected with the virus, from which she had recovered but needed external support of oxygen", she said.
As tributes poured in from fans, colleagues, and admirers, Antonette Mendes's legacy will persist through her timeless performances and lasting impact on Konkani culture. She will always stand as a beacon of excellence and a source of pride for the Goan community.
Director & tiatrist Alexin de Morjim said, “she was one of the best actors to grace Konkani stage who used to capture the crowd with her emotional roles and brilliant to the point acting skills and elegance”.
Peter D’Souza, a fan, expressed his sorrow, saying, "sad to hear this news. She had a melodious voice and made the audience cry along with her on stage. We will miss her dearly."
Ophelia (Ophy) Fernandes, a passionate tiatr lover from Arambol-Morjim, shared her shock at the news of Mendes's demise. "This is a great loss for all tiatr lovers and her fans," she said. "I have seen her perform in the past, and her absence will be deeply felt. May her soul rest in peace."
Antonette’s departure marks the end of an era in Konkani entertainment, but her legacy will continue to resonate through her unforgettable performances and the lives she touched with her talent and grace.
In addition to her artistic achievements, Antonette was honored with several awards, including the Tiatr Academy Goa's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009 and the Goa State Cultural Award in 2015.
