Be Alert: Konkani Video Album ‘Xiddukh Ravath’ to be launched in Kuwait

By Gasper Crasto

Kuwait: Goa’s thespian star Cajetan Pereira, popularly known as Cajetan de Sanvordem based in Kuwait, will release his maiden Konkani video album entitled, ‘Xiddukh Ravath’ (Be Alert) in Kuwait on 10th May 2013. 

The video in a crystal clear DVD format is set for a grand release on 10th May 2013 during the staging of the Musical Evening (Songit Sanz) - ‘Kazar Zatam, Punn?’ at the Indian Community School, Salmiya.

Cajetan de Sanvordem, a Kala Academy Award winner for Best Actor and Konkani Bhasha Mandal's Best Singer Award winner, has been in the limelight on Konkani stage – acting and singing in dramas, films and videos, for over 3 decades and remains one of the most popular and much loved artiste in Kuwait.

‘Xiddukh Ravath’ presents a number of songs composed by Cajetan de Sanvordem and Michael D’Silva. The music is provided by Maestro Shahu Almeida while the classy Cinematography and Editing is attributed to Franky Fernandes.

The album, shot entirely in Kuwait, features celebrated Gracy Morais, Clemmie Almeida, Katty de Navelim, Bab Agnel, Irene Vaz, Michael D’Silva, Mario de Majorda and Cajetan de Sanvordem supported by Clara Rodrigues, Baby Acacia, Jemima, Joshua, Aerosmith, Janet Franco, Braz de Parra, Domnic Mascarenhas, Agusto Fernandes, Danny Britto, John Furtado, etc. Picturisation of each song intertwined with rhythmic beats showcases the Goan spirit of Konkani-style songs -- making the album artistic, rich and melodious.

The title song, ‘Xiddukh Ravath’, a solo by Cajetan de Sanvordem has to be seen to be admired. The filming of this song is incredible. The theme has a lesson for everyone to be alert about a disease in this modern era that is most terrifying. 

Gracy Morais and young Clemmie (Cajetan’s daughter) render their voices for a sweet song called ‘Visiting’ which throws light on the hard-life abroad.

‘Bolatkar’, is a splendid trio by Cajetan-Michael-Mario based on some of the hottest issues in our society at the moment.

Katty de Navelim’s ‘Posko’, is a beautiful song sequenced with scenes enacted to perfection by John Furtado and Clara Rodrigues.

‘Soro ani Cigar’ is a comedy duo by Cajetan de Sanvordem and Michael D’Silva sung to a rhythmic tune. The song displays the class of the two singers.

Irene Vaz and Bab Agnel sing ‘Be-Visvaxi Ghorkarn’ highlighting the character of an unfaithful wife. Irene looks fabulous in the video.

The trio, ‘Madras Vailankanni’ by Cajetan-Michael-Mario is a treble of great excellence stressing on the evils of Goan politicians.

Mario de Majorda and Bab Agnel’s song ‘Dar ani Uzo’ is sure to enthrall viewers for the amazing act in the backdrop by Janet Franco, a popular personality in Kuwait. The song too is very meaningful.

‘Nirmilelem’ is a touching, beautifully composed song sung by Clemmie-Cajetan-Michael-Mario.

Michael D’Silva is dressed up as ‘Postman’ singing a comic song. The song is fantastic; however, the posh backdrop displayed can be easily recognized as that of Kuwait, and not Goa, as the song depicts.

The entire album has an excellent flow of music by Maestro Shahu.

Cajetan de Sanvordem has fondly dedicated the project to his beloved parents late Jose Salvador and late Maria Magdalena Pereira.

Cajetan first came into spotlight when he was just 8 years of age singing in school and village dramas. He landed in Kuwait in 1976. His first appearance on Kuwait's stage was in P. Jose de Colva's drama 'Aiz Maka Faleam Tuka' at Keefan Hall in 1977, followed by Konkani dramas directed by Jenifer Rod, Aleixinho de Maxem, Benny de Aldona, the list goes on.

Initially he sang solos in each and every drama as well as act, especially when the role was based on expatriate topics. Together with Marcus Vaz and Xavier Gomes, he formed the famous trio Cajetan-Marcus-Xavier, which created waves and enjoyed tremendous popularity in Kuwait as well as other Gulf Countries and in Goa. Currently, Cajetan is teamed up with Mario de Majorda and Michael D’Silva. The singers are famous for explosive lyrics and are synonymous with Konkani audience for their intellectual lyrics, stunning style and a blend of their incredible voices. 

Cajetan has acted in countless Konkani dramas (Tiatrs). The prominent among them are of Late Fr. Freddy J. Da Costa, M. Boyer, Remmie Colaco, Anthony San, H.Britton, Jose Rod, Roseferns, Jess Fernandes, Patrick Dourado, Vitorino Pereira, A. Morais, R. Morais, Rosario Dias, Chrismeena, Rosary Ferns, Marcus Vaz, Laurente Pereira, Mario de Majorda, Michael D'Silva, Xavier Gomes, Bonaventure D'Pietro, Jessy Dias, Jenifer Rod, Aleixinho de Maxem, Benny de Aldona, J.P. Parra, Tony Call, Mendes Bros., F.X.Pereira, F.Cardoz, Simon Gonsalves, Joe Ferrera, etc.

Cajetan is well-known in Kuwait for being the lead star in Goa’s first e-Cinema feature film ‘Black’ produced by T-Bush in 2007. He also appeared on the smaller screen in a specially filmed VCD of Jose Rod's drama ‘Devan Dilem Devcharan Velem’. Cajetan has also written and directed dramas such as 'Bhattkarachem Kortub' and 'Africar' in his home town back in Goa.

Besides acting and singing, Cajetan is a well-known public figure in Kuwait. Time and again, he has been elected to several Indian organizations. He is the President of United Friends Club – a football association and the Ex-President of Kuwait-Goa Tiatristanchi Sonstha (KGTS). He is also the President of Guardian Angel Club of Sanvordem (Kuwait), Head of Cultural Cell of Goan Welfare Society (GWS) since inception, and an active member of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF).

‘Xiddukh Ravath’, made for a global audience is sure to leave a mark of Cajetan de Sanvordem’s class as a showman – a singer and actor of immense ability.