Veteran tiatr artiste Ubaldo Paul Fernandes, popularly known as Bab Ubaldo, passed away in Mumbai (Bombay) on February 18 at 7.40 pm. He was 74. His demise has left the Konkani tiatr fraternity in deep mourning.
Reacting to the news, Anthony Barbosa, President of the Tiatr Academy of Goa, expressed shock at the sudden demise of the veteran artiste. “The tiatr fraternity has lost a committed and passionate performer. Ubaldo’s contribution to the stage, especially in the face of personal challenges, will always be remembered,” Barbosa said, extending condolences to the bereaved family.
A bachelor from Mumbai who had settled in Siolim many years ago, Ubaldo was originally from Marna, Siolim. Born on March 20, 1951, to Jose Paul Fernandes and Maria Joaquina Almeida in Mumbai, he went on to become a respected and familiar face on the tiatr stage despite being afflicted with polio since childhood.
Ubaldo began his tiatr journey at a young age. His first stage performance was for Prem Kumar, marking the beginning of what would become a remarkable and enduring association with Konkani theatre. He later made his formal tiatr debut on January 7, 1967, in Guneanv Konacho by Bernard de Aldona at PT Bhangwadi in Mumbai.
Over the decades, he acted in more than 300 tiatrs across Goa and Mumbai, earning admiration for his dedication, expressive performances and love for the stage. Some of the well-known tiatrs he featured in include Vavraddi, Bhim Toxem Bhat, Sat Dukhi, Munis Vho Devchar, Bebdo, Khoro Amig Konn, Maim Mhaka Sangtali and Doialponn. He worked under several noted directors of the tiatr stage such as Kid Boxer, Alfred Rose, JP Souzalin, Saib Rocha, Dr V Antao, Vaz de Pilerne, Jr Rod and C Alvares.
Apart from acting, Ubaldo was also a gifted singer. He was the male lead playback singer for C Alvares’ movie Ghutt, rendering all the songs in the film and earning appreciation for his powerful and emotive voice.
Even during a five-year stint in Kuwait, where he worked as a tailor, Ubaldo remained closely connected to tiatr and performed in productions by H Britton, Mendes Bros, Marcus Vaz, Xavier Gomes, Jr Coogan and Dost Kumar. His unwavering commitment to the stage, despite physical challenges and professional responsibilities, earned him widespread respect.
In recognition of his immense contribution to the tiatr stage, Tiatr Academy of Goa conferred upon him ‘Lifetime Contribution to Tiatr Award’ in the year 2013. He was honoured by Kala Academy Goa on Tiatr Day and also felicitated by St Anthony’s Art Production, Siolim.
