Goan dramas and musicals have captured the hearts of Konkani-speaking audiences in Kuwait since 1970s, the entertainment continues till date.

The much-awaited Konkani musical show DEVAN DIL’LEA DENNEAM PASOT directed by Maestro Shahu Almeida was staged to much delight of the audience in Kuwait on 10th May 2024 at ICSK School Hall, Salmiya.

The beauty of the show was the collective effort of the Maestro, artistes, and like-minded Goans who supported to put up yet another show against all odds.

Every song, every comedy was applauded, and everyone was immersed in the entertainment. It was a pleasure to see friendly, encouraging people in the audience.

MAESTRO SHAHU – A FLAGBEARER

Once again, Maestro Shahu lived up to his reputation as an entertainer of top quality.

Ever since his arrival in Kuwait back in 1999, the humble musician has been in the limelight for his electrifying music. Without a doubt, he remains Goa’s flag bearer in the world of Konkani showbiz in Kuwait; he has maintained his peak for the last many years.

Synonymous to his past musicals, the show began with the blessing of St. Francis Xavier in a ‘live’ scenic portrayal, followed by the depiction of man’s God-given talents symbolizing the title of the show – DEVAN DIL’LEA DENNEAM PASOT (For the sake of God-given talents).

A regular feature of Shahu’s shows is the singing of ‘St. Francis Xavier ‘orasanv’ at the beginning where the whole audience revels in singing to the patron saint of Goa.

Music for the show was arranged and directed by Shahu Almeida accompanied by Lennon D’Silva (Lead Guitar), legend Dennis Gonsalves, and famous drummer Tony Fernandes.

Shahu’s teenage son Aerosmith Almeida dazzled too at the start with the ‘Tokkad’ warm-up music.

SHOWMANSHIP OF LONDON STARS

The opening chorus of the show was sung by Gracy Rodrigues, Clemmie Almeida, Agnes Rodrigues, and Gasper Crasto.

The visiting stars from Goa, UK were in fluent form, while Kuwait’s own gave their best too. In all, there were a total of 22 songs on various topics and beat - singing solos, duets & trios.

Every singer put their heart and soul into their performance.

London stars Agnelo Lobo, Nicky Carvalho, Romaldo Estrocio, Bab Agnel, Polly de Curtorim, Laurente Pereira, Emilio Fernandes de Borda, Cajetan de Braganca all lived up to the expectations.

Apart from songs, additionally, there were 4 comedy skits.

COMEDIAN BEN & JOSE EXCEL

Character Comedian Ben Evangelisto led the sideshows along with Comedian Costy, Polly de Curtorim, & Pio de Cortalim supported by Augusto Morais and Facebook rookie Menino Philip Costa (Badshah) in cameo roles.

Jose Mascarenhas, who came from Goa sang 2 melodious & meaningful solos, and a comedy duo with Comedian Ben that encored a repeat and made everyone sing to the rhythm.

Babit de Zuari who specialy came for the show from London sang a testimonial on his surgery and miraculous cure of tongue cancer, and requested everyone to continue praying for him. The song was emotionally acknowledged with loud applause.

LOCAL ARTISTES EXHIBIT THEIR TALENT

Local artistes were quite impressive too, which included Clemmie Pereira, Esparansa Barretto, Gasper Crasto, Valanka Fernandes, Valentina Pinto, Rolly Diniz, Seby D'silva, Simon Dias, Olinda Fernandes & Gracy Rodrigues.

All the songs were well applauded, with the audience showing their love and admiration for everything that was presented.

The show winded up with a medley of old songs performed by most of the artistes in traditional clothing.

CHIEF GUEST SPEAKS HIS HEART

Mr. Roy Estibeiro, a prominent Goan in Kuwait, working as an IT Director at Agility, was the chief guest. He spoke on the occasion and complimented Maestro Shahu on the show and his musical activities in Kuwait, and OTT over the years.

Other special invitees present at the event and introduced on stage right at the beginning of the show included Fr. Lionel Braganza, Fr. James (Principal of Don Bosco Oratory School), Carmo Santos, Fidelis Fernandes, Tony Dias, Salvador Dias, Derick Gomindes, Ms. Marina, etc.

During the break, all artistes were presented with special mementos at the hands of the Chief Guest.

Mementos were also presented to Cheslee D’Souza (Sound & Lights), Rivon Gomes (Photographer), Felix Fernandes & Jose Almeida (Videography), Cajetan Rodrigues (Stage Sets), Sagar (Backdrop), etc.

Gasper Crasto compered the event; Cindy Fernandes organized the stage arrangements and escorted the guests.

LIFELONG MEMORIES

A minute’s silence was observed to respect the souls of prominent tiatrists and other personalities who passed away recently.

Those who were remembered included Cajetan de Sanvordem, Rosary Ferns, Patrick Fernandes, Alex Lopes, Sanny de Quepem, Martinho Martins, Xavier Mendes, Nicholas Rodrigues, Lawry Pinto, Antonete Mendes, and Thomas Dias.

SOUND, SETS & IMAGES

Cheslee D’Souza (Insync Company) provided sound. The whole event was captured on camera by popular Goan photographer Rivon Gomes, as well on video by videographers Felix Fernandes & Jose Almeida.

CHRONOLOGY OF MAESTRO SHAHU SHOWS

DEVAN DIL’LEA DENNEAM PASOT was Maestro Shahu’s 9th musical. His past shows, some of them staged in other parts of the Gulf and UK as well, are as follows:

2011 - Tiatrist

2013 – Goencho Rakhonddar

2016 - Tiatristponn Devachem Dennem

2017 – Tumkanch Lagon Ami

2018 – Konknni Machiechi Seva

2019 – Ugddas Dovrun Ghele

2021 – Ixtta Ugddas Tuzo (Online Show)

2022 – Sodanch Jivo Urtolo

2024 – Devan Dil’lea Denneam Pasot

SOUVENIR & CREDITS

A colorful souvenir was released at the hands of Fr. Lionel Braganza to mark the event.

A Konkani book on the life of Fr. Manuel Gomes presented by Dalgado Konknni Akademi was also released on the occasion at the hands of Domnic Araujo & Fidelis Fernandes.

A number of well-wishers supported the musical show. Major credits of the show were attributed to the following:

• Augusto / Eudisia Rodrigues, USA (Majorda)

• Agnelo D’Costa – Panchwady

• Arti Natural Indian Café – Ca, USA (Maina)

• Benedito Barretto - USA

• Carmo Santos

• Derick Gomindes

• Fidelis Fernandes

• Francis Lewis (Fitwell Tailors)

• Josef L. Rodrigues

• Franky Barreto (Toyland)

• Jackson Soares, Cuncolim - Goa

• Mauricio Pereira & Family, Qatar

• Maurice D'Costa Garage

• Mathew Reveredo

• Micheal Colaco (Texas, USA)

• Raphael Noel – Cayman Islands

• Tony Dias - Shuwaikh Electricals

• Tony USA

• Willy Dias (Kaifan Boyz)