Marcus Fernandes (unknown – 21 February 2020), known professionally as Comedian Marcus, was an Indian comedian, playwright, director, actor, and singer known for his work in Konkani films and tiatr productions.

Comedian Marcus
Fernandes singing at the tiatr Kumsar, 2013
Born
Marcus Fernandes

Died(2020-02-21)21 February 2020
Goa Medical College, Bambolim, Goa, India
Other names
  • Comedian Marcus de Cortalim
  • Comedian Marcos
EducationOur Lady of Perpetual High School, Cortalim
Occupations
  • Comedian
  • actor
  • singer
  • playwright
Years activec. 1996–2019
SpouseFatima Fernandes
Children1

Early life

edit

Marcus Fernandes hailed from the ward of Thana in the village of Cortalim in Goa. Despite his parents, Caetano Fernandes and Fransqina D'Silva,[1] not being involved in the realm of tiatr, Fernandes displayed a fervent passion for stage performances. This passion was evident even during his formative years at Our Lady of Perpetual High School in Cortalim, where he actively engaged in school programs, lending his vocal talents to various performances. Furthermore, Marcus's musical prowess extended to playing the drums, as he became a member of Key Notes, a band he co-founded with his close companions.[2]

Career

edit

Fernandes first showcased his comedic abilities as a child actor in the tiatr production titled Tem Tujem (That is yours), directed by Sunny de Cortalim. Despite originally portraying a serious character, Fernandes received advice from an experienced individual who recognized his potential to bring laughter to audiences. Encouraged by this feedback, Fernandes joined Anthony de Velsao's troupe for carnival shows, where he honed his comedic skills and established himself as a proficient comedian. JP Pereira of The Navhind Times writes, over a span of more than two decades, Fernandes entertained enthusiasts of Konkani tiatr with his humorous one-liners and gestures. Known for his ability to generate genuine laughter without resorting to vulgarity, Fernandes collaborated with esteemed directors within the Konkani theater community.[2]

 
Fernandes during a performance at the tiatr Asson Nam in 2012

During his involvement in carnival shows, Fernandes caught the attention of Pascoal Rodrigues, who invited him to act in the play Matiechem Aidonn (Vessels of Clay). This marked Fernandes's debut on the professional stage, which led to subsequent collaborations with Rodrigues in productions like Nimanno Brestar (Maundy Thursday) and Koxtta Kantte. Fernandes also joined forces with Inacio de Canacona in performances of He Goenche Put (The Sons of Goa) and Tumkam Zai Toxem (What they want), among others. Directors such as Roseferns, Elvis-Carmen, Jr. Reagan, and Sr. Agnes also sought Fernandes's acting prowess for their respective projects.[2]

 
Fernandes during a performance at the tiatr Asumdhi in 2013

In 2016, Fernandes made his mark in the Konkani music scene by featuring in the inaugural Konkani audio album titled Rinn, produced by Bonifacio and Romitha Productions. He showcased his vocal prowess by lending his voice to various tracks, including the album's eponymous title song "Rinn." Fernandes also collaborated with Valensha on a duet called "Bhav Bhoinn," and joined forces with Ignatius de Xelvon and Rons for a trio performance titled "108." Additionally, he delivered a solo performance titled "Tondd Lipoita."[3] Apart from his musical endeavors, Fernandes actively participated in the Kala Academy Tiatr Competition 2014–2015, where he competed in Group B with his play Tumi Kori Nakat (Y'all don't do it). His talent and dedication were recognized through several individual accolades he received during the competition. Furthermore, Fernandes demonstrated his acting skills by working with figures such as Cyril Almeida and the award-winning director Alfie Fernandes, appearing in productions like Pacharem (The Cage) and Paanz.[2]

 
Fernandes during a performance at the 2015 Aqua Goa Mega Festival

In March 2018, Fernandes was enlisted by Jr. Reagan to join the cast of the theatrical production Happy Easter, a tiatr performance. O Heraldo writes, within the production, Fernandes collaborated with Joana, Saby, and Sally to form a comedic quartet, delivering entertaining performances on stage. Moreover, Fernandes participated in various musical arrangements, including trio performances alongside Joana and Saby, as well as engaging in quartet and duet compositions.[4]

In November 2018, Fernandes garnered recognition for his contribution to the DVD production titled Paduacho St Anton (Vol. 95), masterminded by Edwin D'Costa. The DVD featured a diverse collection of 12 songs, encompassing solos, duos, duets, trios, and quartets. One of the featured duets, "Suseg Na," showcased Fernandes' collaboration with Reza, focusing on portraying the challenges encountered by a husband when facing disturbances from his spouse, even during leisurely occasions.[5]

In June 2019, Fernandes became part of Comedian Sally's troupe, contributing to productions including Maim Paichem bessaum (The blessings of Mother and Father), Tumi Konank Zai (Who do y'all want?), and the 2019 show Eke Sunecho Kaido. Throughout his career, Fernandes remained dedicated to entertaining audiences and delivering performances in the realm of Konkani tiatr. In the same year, Fernandes participated in the tiatr production Eke Sunecho Kaido (The Daughter-in-law's Rule).[2]

Fernandes also established himself as a proficient writer, contributing to the vibrant tradition of Carnival shows for a span of 15 years. Noteworthy among his creations were three plays that held a special place in his heart: Kalli Angostram (The Black Clothes), Tuka Lagon (Because of You), and Amkam Meulim (We Got Them). Unfortunately, his involvement in the Carnival performance of Comedian Sally's Mai Paichem Bessaum was marred by a stroke that necessitated his admission to the Goa Medical College (GMC). He made a successful recovery and later resumed collaborating with the same director on subsequent productions. Regrettably, due to his health setback, the Carnival shows had to be discontinued. In addition to his accomplishments in music and theater, Fernandes expanded his artistic portfolio by releasing four Konkani VCD films showcasing his talent in comedy sketches and songs. These films, titled Goodbye, Thank You Brother, Stop It, and Piso, further solidified his creative versatility. Furthermore, Fernandes nurtured his drumming skills under the mentorship of Assumption Nunes, a drummer from the ex-band INDIA, often finding joy in playing the drums for leisurely pursuits.[2]

Personal life

edit

In addition to his involvement in the entertainment industry, Fernandes had a career at a school. He entered into matrimony with Fatima, and together they had a son named Anson. Under Fernandes's guidance, Anson pursued drumming and intended to receive formal music lessons. Throughout Fernandes's journey, his wife provided invaluable support to him.[2]

Fernandes expressed his admiration for the director duo Elvis and Carmen, highlighting Elvis as one of the industry's top directors. According to Fernandes, Elvis possessed strong scriptwriting abilities, selects fitting titles for his projects, and assigns roles that showcase the talents of his actors. Additionally, Fernandes spoke highly of Comedian Sally, describing him as a skilled writer and director. He praised Sally's kind and understanding nature, emphasizing his respectful treatment of the entire group. Fernandes expressed his enjoyment of working under Sally's leadership.[2]

On 21 February 2020, Fernandes died at Goa Medical College in Bambolim, Goa.[1]

Awards

edit

Fernandes has been recognized and honored for his contributions to the field of comedy and singing in the tiatr (a form of Goan musical theater). At the 31st Tiatr Competition (2005–2006) organized by the Kala Academy Goa, he received a merit certificate for his portrayal of Ded Foot in the tiatr Zoitachi Ek Bhuk (A hunger for justice). Similarly, at the 37th Tiatr Competition (2011–2012), he was awarded a merit certificate for his comedic role as Poscoto in the tiatr Pojisanv (The Position). In addition, Fernandes received further recognition at the 38th Tiatr Competition (2012–2013) for his involvement in the tiatr Asson Nam (There was not). Here, he was presented with a merit certificate for his comedic portrayal of Marcus, as well as a merit certificate for his lyrics in his solo performance of "Padr Agnelo." Furthermore, at the 39th Tiatr Competition (2013–2014), he was honored with a merit certificate in the male category for his role as Jak Piedad in the tiatr Assumdhi (Forget It).[6]

Continuing his success, Fernandes was recognized with a merit certificate in the male category for his performance as Marcus in the tiatr Tumi Kori Nakat (Y'all don't do it) at the 1st Tiatr B Group Competition 2014–2015. Additionally, he received another merit certificate in the male category for singing in the tiatr Inam (The Award) by Sunny De Cortalim at the 3rd Tiatr B Group Competition 2016–2017.[7] Moreover, he received the Best Comedy Kantar award for his song "Bhattkaralem Cheddum" in the tiatr Girest Bhikari (The Rich Beggar) during the 6th Popular Tiatr Festival.[8] Furthermore, Fernandes, together with Comedian Cedric, was honored with the Best Duo award for their song "Novech Kazari" in the album "Pai" at the Tiatr Academy of Goa's annual Konkani song and music awards.[9]

Select filmography

edit
Year Title Role Notes Ref
2007 Good Bye Writer/director [2]
2008 Thank You Brother Writer/director Credited as Comedian Marcos
2009 Stop It Writer/director
  • Adeus
  • Korchea Adim
  • Poieat Mhaka
Writer/director
Lakhpoti Zanvoi [10]
2013 Piso Writer/director [2]
2016 Azun Kainch Choilonam

Selected stage works

edit
Year Title Role Notes Ref
Tem Tujem Serious character Debut as child artiste [2]
Matiechem Aidonn Professional debut
Nimanno Brestar
Koxtta Kantte
Tumkam Zai Toxem
Nimnno Poddo
Ghirest Bhikari
Tumi Konank Zai
Kalli Angostram Writer
Tuka Lagon Writer
Amkam Meulim Writer
Atam Maka Disti Poddta
Fullam
Khotte Poixe
Mhaka Soeg Diat
2003 Paanz [6][2]
2005 Zoitachi Ek Bhuk Ded Foot
2006 Tumchea Moga Pasot [11][2]
2008 He Goenche Put [12][2]
  • Tin Vorsanni
  • Porot Iello
  • Pollounk Ieat
Director Credited as Comedian Marcus de Cortalim [13]
2010 Pacharem [14][2]
Chukleleank Bhogxitam
Hanv Patki Kiteak Comedian [15]
2011 Pojisanv Poscoto [6]
2012 Asson Nam Marcus
Voir Marlolo Fator [11][2]
2013 Asumdhi Jak Piedad [6]
Match Fixing [16]
2014 Tumi Kori Nakat Marcus Also writer [7]
2015 Danv Re Ghoddea Danv Panch [17]
2016 Inam Singer [7]
Maim Paichem Bessaum [18][2]
Kallem Mazor [19]
2018 Happy Easter Comedian/singer [4]
2019 Eke Sunecho Kaido [2]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b "Directorate of planning, statistics and evaluation and office of the chief registrar of births and deaths". Goa Online. 2 March 2020. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Desk, N. T. (2019-06-02). "Beyond the funny | The Navhind Times". Archived from the original on 2024-01-23. Retrieved 2024-01-23. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  3. ^ Times, Navhind (2016-04-13). "Audio Reviews JP Pereira – The Navhind Times". Archived from the original on 2024-01-23. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
  4. ^ a b "Goodness will always be rewarded". oHeraldo. Archived from the original on 2024-01-23. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
  5. ^ "Life lessons through song". oHeraldo. Archived from the original on 2024-01-23. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
  6. ^ a b c d "KALA ACADEMY GOA 1st Tiatr 'A' Group Competition 1974–1975" (PDF). Kala Academy Goa. 1974–1975. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 December 2023. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  7. ^ a b c "KALA ACADEMY GOA 1st Tiatr 'B' Group Competition 2014-2015" (PDF). Kala Academy Goa. 2018–2019. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  8. ^ "'Pai' bags top honours at TAG's 6th Popular Tiatr Festival". The Times of India. 2015-02-26. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 2024-01-03. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
  9. ^ "'Viva Don Bosco' is Konkani audio album of the year". The Times of India. 2015-03-12. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 2022-09-25. Retrieved 2024-01-23.
  10. ^ de Merces, Felix (14 June 2009). "Konkani VCD "Lakhpoti Zanvoi"". Goa World. Archived from the original on 2009-06-24. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  11. ^ a b Pires, Mario (2022-08-27). "The century show from Goa's Roseferns". Gomantak Times. Retrieved 2024-01-24.
  12. ^ "Christmas Week Celebration" (PDF). United Club of Utorda. 2012. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  13. ^ Menezes, Ulysses (2008-01-23). "Khell Tiatrs announced for Carnival 2008 in Goa". Goa World. Archived from the original on 23 January 2008. Retrieved 2024-01-24.
  14. ^ "36th tiatr festival attracts a record number of 21 entries". The Times of India. 2010-09-09. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-01-24.
  15. ^ Sequeira, Elvis (2010-09-24). "Tiatr Review Hanv Patki Kiteak". O Heraldo. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  16. ^ "'Tumchinch Bhurghim' opens tiatr festival". The Times of India. 2013-02-17. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  17. ^ "There's no horsing around in 'Dhanv Re Ghoddea Dhanv'". The Times of India. 2015-05-02. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  18. ^ Times, Navhind (2016-12-15). "Tiatr Review – J P Pereira – The Navhind Times". Archived from the original on 2024-01-24. Retrieved 2024-01-24.
  19. ^ "Watch unique Goan theatre". The Goan EveryDay. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
edit