MARGAO
People from all walks of life, including members of the Tiatr fraternity, bid a tearful farewell to noted Konkani stage artist Mario Menezes popularly known as the Tragedy King as his mortal remains were laid to rest at his home village Chinchinim on Wednesday evening.
With a crown on his head on his last journey, relatives, friends and Konkani stage artists carried Mario’s mortal remains from his residence to the church for the Eucharistic celebration and the cemetery for the last rites.
On his last voyage, President of Tiatr Academy of Goa Menino de Bandar, members of the tiatr fraternity, family, relatives and well-wishers bid adieu to Mario.
Mario breathed his last while heading to Mumbai as a member of Menino de Bandar’s troupe for his show “Tandllanchem Kestaum” as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Pai Tiatrist Joao Agostinho Fernandes.
Earlier in the day, a stream of visitors from all walks of life paid respects to the departed artist at his residence to pay condolence to his bereaved family.
President of Konkan Bhasha Mandal Anwesha Singbal said Mario’s death is a big loss for the Konkani movement.
Noted tiatrist Lawry Travasso said it is still difficult to believe that Mario has passed away and gone to the heavenly abode. “He wanted to do a lot of work for the upliftment of tiatr. His death is a great loss for the Konkani tiatr stage. We will not be able to fill the void for a long time to come,” he said.
Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa said Mario has helped to tap and develop the hidden talent of budding artists.
Former Cuncolim MLA Clafasio Dias echoed similar sentiments as he paid his respects to him.
Former Velim MLA Filipe Neri Rodrigues termed Mario as a multi-talented personality.
Director Art and Culture Shagun Velip paid rich tributes to the departed Konkani stage artist, saying Goa has lost a talented artist.
