Shri. Victor de Sa,Member secretary,TAG, presenting a memento to Luciano Dias. Also seen Joy Fernandes Cultural organiser,TAG.

TAG’s Meet the Artiste - Luciano recalls his past memories

It was a memorable experience for Domingos Xavier Dias popularly known as Luciano as he recollected his fond memories on the tiatr stage with the help of his colleagues and fans. Luciano was speaking at the Meet the Artiste – ‘Kolakarak Bhett’, a monthly programme of Tiatr Academy Goa on 29^th June 2012 at the Black Box of Ravindra Bavan, Margao.

At the age of 79 with fading memory Luciano recounted his happy moments when he used to sing along with his brother late Aristides Dias on the tiatr stage and with all the stalwarts of tiatr stage. He further stated that he first stepped on the tiatr stage at the age of 18 in a village tiatr. His first break on the professional tiatr stage was in Alexinho de Candolim’s tiatr ‘Ho Bavtto Dhormancho’ and thereafter he marched ahead. He penned down and sang around 800 Konkani songs which included mostly solos besides duets, duos, trios.

It was evident that Luciano was one of the most versatile and popular singers of his times from the testimonies and presence of a large number of his fans and tiatr artistes on the occasion. Replying to a question from the audience on his stage name Luciano he replied that there was opposition from the family members to act in tiatrs in the beginning and to avoid being caught he took the name of his godmother and thus became very popular as Luciano later.

One of his nephews also informed that besides singing Luciano was very good at sports. He was an All Goa Champion for 3 consecutive years as a long distance marathon runner. The Portuguese wanted to take Luciano to Portugal but his father turned down this offer.

The function was attended by Luciano’s fans and popular tiatr artistes namely Master Vaz, C. D’Silva, Jessie, Clara, Platilda, Rico Rod, Patrick Dourado, Prince Jacob, Anil Kumar, Star of Curtorim, Osvi Viegas, Connie M, Bonifacio Dias, besides Irene Cardozo, A. Friend, etc.

Luciano rendered two of his favourite solos. His son Peter and grand niece Roshelle also sang a song each which enthralled the audience.

Earlier Shri. Victor de Sa, Member Secretary of TAG introduced the artiste to the audience and welcomed the gathering. Shri. Joy Fernandes compered the function and proposed a vote of thanks.