KUWAIT KONKNNI KENDR MOURNS THE DEATH OF LATE FRANK FERNAND.
In its extra ordinary emergency meeting held in Kuwait City 2 days back, Kuwait Konknni Kendr deeply mourned the sad demise of one the greatest Goan musicians, the late Frank Fernand, in Bombay on 1st of this month. Every member of KKK expressed his sorrow over the death of Maestro Frank Fernand. As a mark of respect for the departed soul, a minute silence was observed and the condolence meeting ended with a fervent prayer for the repose of the departed soul.
The image of Konkani language was immensely raised by Frank Fernand thru his Konkani movie “Amchem Noxib” and that gave a very good booster for the promotion of Konkani when Konkani started facing opposition from Marathivadis under MGP in Goa. At this very crucial time, it was something unimaginable to have Amchem Noxib which created ripples all around the Konkani globe and beyond after the exit of Portuguese from Goa. First it was released in Bombay and while listening to the stories of visiting Bombay Goans about the greatness of Amchem Noxib, we in Goa were eagerly awaiting the screening of Amchem Noxib in Goa. And finally the day came and I as a young school boy saw it in Panjim and was satisfied to the brim.
It was not only the story and direction that enthralled the audience in the movie hall but more than that it was the superlative comedy role played by the legendary Anthony Mendes the father of the great tiatrists, Mendes Bros, namely Felix-Xavier-Derick who are all working in Kuwait since last so many years and now time and circumstances permitting, act in Kuwait.
According to those who saw Anthony Mendes performing regularly in Tiatros in Bombay and Goa, the comedy role that Anthony Mendes played in Amchem Noxib was just superb. To attain this level Anthony Mendes was ably supported by the great Kid Boxer and the then darling of Konkani stage Antonette Mendes. Besides, the role of C. Alvares was something extra ordinary and his the then hero’s look and elegant dress code brought an extra colours to this movie. The introduction of Mando was an added feather in the cap of Amchem Noxib. In no other Konkani film we see Mando like this. The introduction of Mando singing and simultaneously beautifully dancing in Amchem Noxib was an excellent depiction. If this trend is stopped I am afraid our future generation will never know the greatness of our folklore. This Mando makes Amchem Noxib also a Folkloric movie. The major credit for all these go to the initiator of Amchem Noxib, the late Maestro Frank Fernand who like all other great yesteryears Goan musicians developed his musical skill in his village Parochial School. Where are these Church schools gone now? They are dead and buried eternally never to resurrect again and precisely because of this now a days Goa is not producing gigantic musicians like those of olden days. The great musicians of yesteryears like Cruz Noronha (Jajwala), Anthony D’Souza (ex Emissora de Goa), Joaozinho Carvalho (Johnson), Maestro Isidore Menezes, Joe Perry and many more were the products of Village Parochail Schools.
"Nirmon" is yet another Konkani Film of Frank Fernand which further brightened the image of Konkani not only amongst the common people in Goa but even at the official level in Delhi. Thru this Nirmon Film we Goans proved even to Delhi, leave aside the anti-Konkani and anti-Goan rascals Martivadis and MGP vadis in Goa that Konkani is not an ordinary language, it is a great language with great tradition and culture. I salute Frank Fernand for his enormous contribution in the promotion of Konkani language thru his Nirmon which bestowed especial Film Award to C. Alvares as the best actor and this award was handed over to him in Delhi by none other than the late Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi who according to one source then was just amazed to see the handsome looks and attractive magnetising eyes of C. Alvares. May be, being a woman and that too with her hidden romantic instict, Indira Gandhi could recognize better the charm in C. Alvares’ eyes.
Who was the late Frank Fernand? He was genuine Goan and the follower of Romi Konkani. Nagrivadis in Goa who are treating Romivadis as second grade Konknnivadis must put their heads down in shame for not being able to do even an inch of what Frank Fernand has done for the cause of Konkani. Nagrivadis in Goa instead of promoting and raising Konkani to the pedestal as done by Frank Fernand are promoting Marathi “Nattkam” and thus embracing concubines instead of their own wives. The Film Nirmon brought Konkani an extra honour. The roles played by C. Alvares, Shalini, Anthony D’Sa were superb. So the roles of Ophelia and Antonette. The song rendered by Robin Vas “Gaddi Gevunu Zatreku Vetam” was the most attractive and meaningful song. So also the song "Aura Vetai Kuraddi Mahn Khandari" which has lot of folkoric and cultural attributes. The small role played by Souza Ferrao deserved highest compliments and the comedy of Jacinto Vaz was appreciated. By the way, would Jacint Vaz be able to get a chance to act in this Film if Anthony Mendes was alive? I doubt and being a secondary in rank compared to Anthony Mendes, I feel only Anthony Mendes would get the opportunity to further mesmerise the Nirmon viewers.
For the promotion of Konkani if any body deserves highest award and accolade then it is none other then the late Maestro Frank Fernand the father of two greatest Konkani Films, namely Amchem Noxib and Nirmonn. Konkani made piercing and resounding effects all around not by the Nagri frauds like Bhembres – Naiks, - Kelekars – Mauzos and their ilk who think they are the "Bhattkars" of Konkani and we Romivadis as "Mundkars" but by Frank Fernand. Both his Konkani Films “Amchem Noxib” and “Nirmon” has fabulously enriched Konkani and for posterity will always look upon Frank Fernand with great admiration. Can any one in Konkani world be it from any script honour appropriately the late Frank Fernand at least posthumously?
And by the way, can we Goans and Goa produce another Frank Fernand? I doubt!! Such legends come into this world once in centuries. And according to the current trend in Goa and Konkani world, I feel Goa will never produce another Frank Fernand.
May the great soul of great Goan Musician from Curchorem, Maestro Frank Fernand Rest In Peace.
Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.
