Institution slammed for neglecting icon’s legacy on birth anniversary
MARGAO
Artiste and former member of the Entertainment Society of Goa, Vishal Pai Cacode, has strongly questioned the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao for failing to commemorate the birth anniversary of Goa’s iconic music legend Chris Perry.
He said that a premier cultural institution situated just minutes away from the maestro’s birthplace in Borda has “no justification” for ignoring a personality who transformed Goa’s musical identity. Cacode termed this silence “insensitive, disappointing, and unbecoming of an institution meant to preserve and honour Goan culture.”
He further pointed out that while the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is currently underway, with several film screenings taking place in Margao, Ravindra Bhavan had the perfect opportunity to pay tribute by screening Chris Perry’s own landmark creation — the first coloured Konkani film ‘Bhuyarantlo Munis’. “They could have honoured Chris Perry with a special screening, but their indifference speaks volumes about their priorities,” he said, calling it a serious lapse and a reflection of “institutional insensitivity”.
Born on 25 November 1928, Chris Perry was a musical genius whose unmistakable touch enriched Bollywood classics like Kabhi Kabhi and Trishul. A self-taught composer, arranger and instrumentalist, he introduced jazz to Konkani music and became one of the most influential Goan musicians of the 20th century, stated Cacode.
He added: “Perry’s most celebrated contribution was discovering Lorna Cordeiro, with whom he created timeless Konkani gems that remain culturally iconic even today. He also brought legendary singers Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhonsle and Usha Uthup into the Konkani music sphere, leaving behind a legacy unmatched in scope and influence.”
Calling for immediate corrective steps, Cacode demanded that the government of Goa ensure that Goan legends like Chris
Perry are celebrated annually, so that “no such cultural disrespect occurs in the future”. He urged Ravindra Bhavan Margao and all State cultural institutions to uphold their responsibility towards Goa’s artistic heritage with seriousness and sensitivity.
