MARGAO
The Konkani tiatr fraternity mourned the death of veteran artiste Jose Rod, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63.
A versatile performer, singer, composer, playwright and director, Jose Rod remained closely associated with the Konkani stage for several decades and earned recognition for his distinctive contribution to tiatr and khell tiatr.
Born José Remedios Rodrigues, popularly known as Jose Rod, on January 18, 1963, at Curchorem, he grew up in Sanvordem. His tryst with the stage began remarkably early. At just five years of age, he appeared in tiatr under the guidance of his relative Mike Mehta.
His early exposure to the stage came through Albert Carvalho’s production Nitik Sampoddlo, which featured prominent artistes including M. Boyer, Remmie Colaço and Jacinto Vaz. Jose Rod went on to participate in several non-stop shows, where he demonstrated his abilities both as an actor and singer.
His talent soon brought him opportunities to work with some of the leading names in tiatr. Prince Jacob cast him in Pinzrem, where Jose Rod convincingly portrayed a 70-year-old villain despite being only around 20. He subsequently appeared in other productions, including Kagot and Painnem. He also worked with Roseferns in Dovo Kavllo, Girann and Jem Tujem Tem Mhojem.
Alongside Anthony San, Jose Rod later co-wrote and produced Bhiradd and Punn Kiteak?, before establishing himself as an independent writer and director. His production Mauli achieved a remarkable milestone, completing 2,018 performances.
Jose Rod was also a prolific Konkani music artiste. He released nine audio albums, including Menin Jezu, Angounn, Tarvotti, Adeus, Suskar, Sopnam, Govai, Teag and Noman. His album Noman, released in 2005, featured 12 songs composed and performed by him.
Reacting to his demise, Anthony Barbosa, President of the Tiatr Academy of Goa, said Jose Rod’s death was a major loss to the tiatr fraternity.
“Jose Rod was a truly versatile artiste who made his presence felt as an actor, singer, composer, writer and director. He dedicated a major part of his life to Konkani tiatr and entertained generations of audiences. His contribution and commitment to the art form will remain part of the history of Goan tiatr. On behalf of the Tiatr Academy of Goa, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers,” Barbosa said.
Jose Rod’s passing has left behind a rich body of theatrical and musical work that will continue to be remembered by lovers of Konkani tiatr.
