-by Gasper Crasto
Kuwait: Cajetan de Sanvordem, Goan Kala Academy Award winner for Best Actor and Konkani Bhasha Mandal's Best Singer Award winner, has been selected to be the judge for Konkans Talent Contest to be held in Dubai on 28th June 2013.
Cajetan 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 artistes based in Kuwait.
Dubai: Six groups in race for Mangalore Konkans' talents contest |
Dubai: As part of their silver Jubilee Year Celebrations, Mangalore Konkans Dubai - UAE's premier Konkani organization will be holding their UAE-level "Vividh Vinodaval Spordo", a group talent contest on Friday June 28, 4.30 pm onwards at JSS School, behind Gulf News office near Safa Park, Dubai. As announced earlier, the innovative contest held for the first time comprising group dances, skits, singing, master of ceremony etc is set to enthrall the UAE audience. The contest will bring forth vast treasure of hidden talents among the young and old and showcase them during this exciting contest.  The contest has generated lot of interest and excitement among the Konkani lovers of UAE and Mangalore Konkans Dubai, is positive on its success. The following 6 groups would be participating in this electrifying challenge: 1) Konkan Bells 2) Cordelche Kalakar 3) Uswas 4) Karavali Milan 5) Spark Dubai 6) Mogachi Lahran Amateur artistes will show their immense talents and prove their superiority during this fun-filled contest. The contest will be judged by renowned and experienced panel of judges from all over the UAE and the Gulf. Cajetan Pereira is the only personality selected from Kuwait. |
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 in Kuwait was way back in 1977. 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. I feel privileged to have worked with all the stalwarts and most of the legends of our Konkani stage.
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. Recently, he has released his maiden mega hit Video Album of Songs entitled, Xidduk Ravat – Be Alert.
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).