Leaves behind legacy as prolific writer, composer
Roque Dias
MARGAO
The Konkani stage has lost one of its stalwarts on Saturday evening with the sudden demise of Roque Antonio Dias, a veteran tiatr actor, writer, and singer, from Arlem-Raia. He was 73.
Born on May 16, 1952, Dias began his journey on the tiatr stage with the Young Stars of Bardez group, making his debut in Joe Perry’s “Bomboican.” Over the next seven years, he captivated audiences as both singer and actor, before collaborating with some of the most respected directors of the Konkani stage, including Joe Perry, Agnel de Carona, Pio Ping Pong, Patrick de Sangolda, C. Alvares, Prem Kumar, Jacinto Vaz, Rozario Dias, Ligorio Fernandes, Premanand Sangodkar, Jose Rose, Anil Kumar, and Alexinho de Morjim among others.
Apart from acting, Dias left his mark as a prolific writer and composer. His tiatr scripts included “Kednai Punn Sampoddtoolo,” “Jurament,” “Hanv Ekloch,” “Tukach Lagon,” “Cheddo and Cheddum,” “Govai Nam” and “Tum Mhojea Jivitan Ek Nagain.” He also released several audio cassettes and CDs and composed nearly 1000 songs, many of which featured on All India Radio Panaji and Goa Doordarshan.
Dias was recognised for his immense contribution to Konkani theatre. He won multiple awards at tiatr competitions organised by the Kala Academy of Goa and was honoured by several cultural associations, including the Tiatr Academy of Goa.
Expressing grief over his passing, Anthony Barbosa, President of the Tiatr Academy of Goa, said, “He was from my village Raia and we had witnessed some of his great performances on the tiatr stage since our childhood. He was truly a great composer and singer with a melodious voice. He inspired several singers, and his death is a great loss to the Konkani tiatr stage.”
Tributes poured in from tiatrists across Goa and abroad, with many taking to social media to remember Dias’ artistry and his lifelong dedication to the growth of Konkani tiatr and music.
Dias’ sudden death has left a deep void in Goa’s vibrant tiatr fraternity, silencing a voice that had inspired generations.
