Oh God, give us a break. We haven't overcome yet the loss of Matanhy and now new sorrows have been added in the passing away of another notable Goan, Remmie Colaco. Two Goans belonging to two different fields -- one in social activism and politics and the other cultural. Each shared a different stage. One carried his passion for bringing justice to the downtrodden, the helpless and the exploited, while the other brought laughter and soothing melodies and duets.
Remmie Colaco will be remembered for his songs that touched on the social aspects of Goans and his lyrical duets. Along with M. Boyer and Jacinto Vaz, known as the Big Three of Saxtti, they brought the house down will their comedy, razor-sharp (zopatti) on political affairs, and lyrical melodies. Some of his duets with Boyer and with C. Alvares are enlightening as well as catchy, surving till today as fine compositions. During this season of Lent, his song, Ankvar Moriechem Dukh, is one to hear. If Our Lady's sorrow is what the "dukh" song emphazied, then Cheddum Cheddeachem Sukh, spoke glowingly of a woman's beauty. His songs devoted to love and marriage, such as Kazar Borem and Satvo Sacrament, provides sane advice to young women. In the mother-daughter-in-law affair (Mai-Sun), he has strong words for those men who take up the wife's side. In these trying times when Goans are full of anxiety and apprehension at what is happening to their homeland Remmie has a telling message for Goans in Sudarop. He praises Goa's development but sounds a warning that such development attracts migrants. He calls upon Goans to keep faith in the land and not abandon the state by moving away. At a rough estimate, Remmie must have composed at least 400 songs in his long career, since he made his debut in a amateur tiatr, Bhaguintlem Ful (he has a song by that name) as a youngster playing a female role. Then came Maim, also a small role as a female. It was in 1944, and later in the same year C. Alvares got him to act in Tor Ho Tiarist? Jacinto was first to go, then Boyer and now Remmie. Many of us who grew up watching and listening to these kingpins of the Konkani stage may not see the likes of them, at least in my lifetime. Some of the trios that we see now or seen over the last decade or so don't match the grace and the composure of these three. They, along with some who have gone to their heavenly abode, belonged to the Golden Age of the tiatr. I saw him many times on stage, playing character roles and singing. Enjoyed his company, especially he and Boyer talking of their friendship and relating anecdotes behind the stage. Besides his singing and acting, I will remember him for his unique laughter, somewhat suppressed, just as he would hold his laughter on stage whenever he engaged himself with Boyer or Jacinto or when the latter two engaged themselves in a tit-for-tat dialogues. His melody will linger on as long as the Konkani stage is alive and kicking. Eugene Correia --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Protect Goa's natural beauty Support Goa's first Tiger Reserve Sign the petition at: http://www.goanet.org/petition/petition.php ---------------------------------------------------------------------------