Tag: Tiatr

Entertainment

Vindaloo Launches Dedicated OTT Platform to Take Konkani Cinema and Culture to the World

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Vindaloo Entertainment Private Limited has launched Vindaloo, a first-of-its-kind OTT platform dedicated entirely to Konkani cinema, Tiatr and Goan cultural storytelling, marking a major milestone for the preservation and global promotion of Konkani heritage.

For decades, Konkani artists and filmmakers have struggled to find a structured digital space to showcase their work and reach wider audiences. Vindaloo aims to bridge this gap by creating a dedicated ecosystem where Goan stories, music, theatre and cinema can thrive while remaining accessible to viewers across the world. With a clear mission to preserve culture and empower creative talent, the platform brings together entertainment, education and cultural archiving in one digital home.

“Our vision is to create a platform that not only showcases the richness and diversity of Konkani entertainment but also provides a voice to the talented artists and filmmakers who have been contributing to the industry for years. We want to take Konkani culture to the world and bring the world to Konkani culture, fostering a sense of community and appreciation among audiences globally,” said Nikhil Desai, Co-founder of Vindaloo.

Siddhant Shetty, Co-founder of Vindaloo, added that Konkani culture is a treasure trove of stories, music and art that deserves global recognition. “We are committed to preserving and promoting it for generations to come. With Vindaloo, we are creating a digital archive of Konkani content that will not only entertain but also educate and enlighten audiences about the rich heritage of Goa and the Konkani diaspora.”

Vindaloo offers a diverse library that includes 20 Konkani feature films by Goan filmmakers, digitised Tiatr performances, and exclusive content from nationally and internationally award-winning directors and actors. With over 30 Konkani titles lined up for release over the next two months, the platform is set to become the go-to destination for Konkani entertainment.

Available on both Android and iOS devices, Vindaloo allows viewers to enjoy their favourite Konkani content anytime, anywhere. Its pay-per-view model enables filmmakers to monetise their work, creating new revenue streams while strengthening the local creative economy.

With global availability across India, UAE, UK, USA, Canada and Australia, Vindaloo connects Goa with the worldwide Konkani diaspora, strengthening cultural bonds and ensuring that Goan stories continue to inspire audiences across generations and borders.

International

Goa’s Heritage Shines in Leicester as Historic Tiatr “Devachen Naun Jietam Hanv” Packs Braunstone Civic Hall

Tanisha Cardozo

A landmark cultural moment unfolded on 19 October 2025, when the historic Goan tiatr “Devachen Naun Jietam Hanv”, directed by acclaimed Goan theatre stalwart Mariano Fernandes, was staged at the Braunstone Civic Hall, Leicester, to a packed audience. The event marked one of the largest showcases of Goan performing arts in the United Kingdom in recent years.

The tiatr featured an ensemble of 22 Goan artists flown in from Goa, led by legendary performers Prince Jacob and Varsha Usgaokar. Their moving performances, infused with humor, emotion, and melody, earned standing ovations from the audience, many of whom represented generations of the Goan diaspora living in the UK.

This initiative received strong local support from Espirito Roy Sequeira and Steven Gonsalves, passionate promoters of Konkani theatre in Leicester. Through their dedication, audiences abroad were able to experience the richness of Goan tiatr in its authentic form — complete with live music, kantaram (songs), and social storytelling.

The event became more than just a stage performance; it was a heartfelt celebration of identity, language, and cultural pride. The audience echoed the phrase “Konkani ulloi, Leicester fuloi” (When Konkani flourishes, Leicester blossoms), a fitting tribute to the enduring connection between Goa and its global community.

Festacar Marius Fernandes, who spent many years in Leicester before returning to Goa, described the moment as deeply moving. “It was emotional to hear our mother tongue Konkani fill the hall in this city that has become a second home to so many Goans,” he said. “This tiatr is more than a performance—it’s a living bridge of memory, identity, and belonging. When we keep Konkani alive, we keep our heritage alive.”

The success of “Devachen Naun Jietam Hanv” highlights the growing effort to preserve and promote Konkani theatre traditions beyond Goa, strengthening cultural ties through the universal language of art. As lights dimmed on the final act, one truth resonated deeply — the Goan spirit continues to shine brightly, no matter where in the world it finds a stage.

Spotlight

Ramson Cardoso: Giving Voice to Life’s Most Special Moments

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

At just three years old, Ramson Cardoso stood in front of a crowd for the first time—unaware that this small step in Lower KG would spark a lifelong passion. It was Miss Margaret from St. Anthony High School, Monte de Guirim, who first entered his name into a Konkani singing competition. Young Ramson went home, told his mother, and together they picked an old hit song. He performed it, won first place, and unknowingly began walking the path of a performer.

The roots of performance ran deep in his maternal family, already immersed in Tiatrs and Zagors. Naturally, Ramson joined in, performing year after year and consistently winning competitions from Lower KG through to 10th standard.

But talent alone doesn’t guarantee success—especially when you come from a non-famous, non-industry background. “I’m not a nepotism kid,” Ramson says plainly. “I had no connections. But I had the support of my family.”

That support, combined with a relentless drive, became his foundation. During the COVID lockdown, he found both inspiration and a creative partner in Brendon. Together, they began writing comic duets that resonated with audiences. This phase helped Ramson sharpen his skills as a songwriter and performer—and gave him the confidence to explore more original work.

Soon, he began writing Kants for college Tiatr competitions and was regularly approached by family members to create custom songs for birthdays and special occasions. Thus began his journey into toast songs.

The Art of a Toast Song

A toast song is not just about rhyming lines—it’s about capturing someone’s essence. Ramson begins with listening—really listening—to the memories, milestones, and emotions a family shares about a loved one. Then he begins to shape the lyrics, compose the melody, and builds the entire production from scratch.

What sets him apart? He does it all. From songwriting, to shooting to editing the final video, Ramson is a one-man production house. “I’m a perfectionist,” he admits. “I like things done a certain way.” He even collaborates with clients to include personal touches like family images or references.

Some songs come together in hours, especially when he’s in “the zone.” One song, for example, was written at night, confirmed in the morning, recorded and shot by 4 PM, edited overnight, and released the next day. Most of his work features original lyrics and melodies, though occasionally he finds inspiration from trending tunes—as in the case of Mogachem Ful, which borrowed from the popular Maan Meri Jaan.

Despite tight deadlines, writer’s block, and the emotional pressure of translating people’s lives into song, Ramson finds joy in creating music that connects. “People tell me my songs made them cry or gave them goosebumps—that’s what makes it worth it.”

The Busy Season and Beyond

Between October and February, the pace is relentless. It’s the peak time for weddings, events, and tiatrs, and Ramson juggles back-to-back projects. But he thrives under pressure—it fuels his creativity.

His academic background in Theatre Arts also deepened his understanding of storytelling and performance. Today, at just 23, he feels more confident in his craft than ever before.

If his life were a Tiatr, he says, it would be called ‘The Ba***ds of Tiatr,’ and he would play himself.

He doesn’t have a favorite song. “All my songs are special in their own way,” he says. But if you had to describe Ramson Cardoso in just three words? Talented. Systematic. Perfectionist.

And perhaps, that’s all you really need to know.

Books & Literature

Mohini Smriti Puraskar declared to Konkani activist Anthony Vaz

allycaralgoa

The Mohini Smriti Puraskar for 2024 has been declared to Konkani activist Anthony Vaz. This award is given in memory of the wife of veteran writer and freedom fighter late Nagesh Karmali. This award is given to Konkani leaders who have made notable contributions to the Konkani language, literature, movement and education.


Anthony Vaz has worked in the field of Konkani theatre. He has worked in more than 15 Tiatr in Goa and Mumbai. He has also worked in Konkani plays and films. He has actively participated in the 555-day official language movement to make Konkani an official language. In literature, he has written two tiatr, ‘Sukh and Dukh’ and ‘Keed’, as well as the novel ‘Rakhno’. He is also fond of writing plays and poetry.
To promote folk arts, he established his Neez Kala Kendra organisation and organised Konkani folk art programmes all over Goa. He has worked for Konkani Bhasha Mandal and the Kala Academy Goa. His awards include the Konkani Bhasha Mandal Award and the Konkani Bhasha Seva Samman.
The Mohini Smriti Puraskar ceremony, sponsored by Nagesh Karmali’s family, will be organised soon, said Dinesh Manerkar of Sanjana Publications.

Entertainment

Tiatr Academy of Goa’s Initiative to Promote Tiatr Among Schools

allycaralgoa

The Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) has taken a significant step to promote Goa’s rich cultural heritage by inviting schools to participate in its ‘Promotion of Tiatr for Schools’ scheme. This initiative aims to encourage students to engage with the traditional art form of Tiatr through live performances, fostering a deeper appreciation for the state’s cultural legacy.

Benefits of the Scheme

  • Cultural Awareness: Students will gain a deeper understanding of Goa’s cultural heritage and the significance of Tiatr.
  • Artistic Development: Participating in Tiatr performances will help students develop their artistic skills, confidence, and creativity.
  • Teamwork: The scheme encourages collaboration and teamwork among students, teachers, and school administrators.

Key Features of the Scheme

  • School Selection: 10 schools will be selected to stage a Tiatr with 100% participation from students.
  • Financial Support: Selected schools will receive financial assistance to support production costs.
  • Traditional Format: Performances must adhere to the traditional structure and cultural essence of Tiatr.

Application and Selection Process

  • Application Forms: Available from May 5, 2025, at the TAG office.
  • Submission Deadline: June 6, 2025.
  • Contact Information: Interested schools can contact TAG at 9158044466 for more details.

TAG’s Role

  • Guidance: TAG will provide guidance and support to selected schools in staging Tiatr performances.
  • Financial Assistance: TAG will offer financial assistance to selected schools to aid production costs.
  • Promotion: TAG will promote the scheme and participating schools through various channels.

Conclusion
The ‘Promotion of Tiatr for Schools’ scheme is an excellent initiative to promote Goa’s cultural heritage among the younger generation. By participating in this scheme, schools can help preserve and promote the traditional art form of Tiatr, while students can develop their artistic skills and appreciation for the state’s cultural legacy.