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added initial details w/ sources

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{{Short description|Indian playwright and theatre director (born 1956)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Cezar D'Mello
| image = Cezar D'Mello (cropped).jpg
| caption = De Melo at [[Institute Menezes Braganza]], 2017
| birth_name = Cezar Aleixo Jose Fernandes de Melo
| birth_place = [[Pangim]], [[Goa]], [[Portuguese India]], [[Portuguese Empire]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1956|4|12|df=y}}
| years_active = 1970s–present
| occupation = {{hlist|Playwright|director|actor|singer|dancer}}
| spouse = {{marriage|Lydia Roncon|1986}}
| children = 2
| notable_works = {{ubl|
* ''[[Pukar (1983 film)|Pukar]]'' (1983)
* ''[[Mera Yaar Mera Dushman]]'' (1987)
}}
| known_for = Playing as [[King Momo]] during the 2011 [[Goa Carnival]] and the [[2014 Lusofonia Games]]
| awards = [[Tiatr Academy of Goa|TAG]]'s "Lifetime Contribution to Tiatr Award" (2017)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegoan.net//honouring-the-creator-of-tiatr/28033.html|title=Honouring the creator of tiatr|website=The Goan EveryDay|date=31 Dec 2016}}</ref>
| website = {{URL|facebook.com/cezar.dmello}}
}}

'''Cezar Aleixo Jose Fernandes de Melo''' (born 12 April 1956), better known as '''Cezar D'Mello''', is an Indian playwright, theatre director, actor, singer, dancer, and former [[amateur football]]er known for his work in [[Hindi cinema|Hindi]], [[Konkani cinema|Konkani films]], television, ''[[tiatr]]'' productions, and [[folk play]]s.

==Early life==
Cezar Aleixo Jose Fernandes de Melo was born on 12 April 1956 in [[Pangim]], [[Goa]], which was part of [[Portuguese India]] during the [[Portuguese Empire]]. He was the son of João Luis Leão Sebastião de Melo, a [[Postal service|postal]] employee and registered [[male nurse]].<ref name=":1" /> De Melo's early exposure to ''[[tiatr]]'', a traditional [[Goan]] [[musical theater]] form, began at the age of nine. He regularly attended performances featuring popular ''tiatr'' actors from [[Bombay]] alongside his father at various sites in Panjim, including [[Azad Maidan (monument)|Azad Maidan]] and Patto. De Melo's fascination with the art form led him to [[Transcription (linguistics)|transcribe]] the scripts of these performances, a practice that ultimately contributed to his development as a playwright.<ref name=":0" />

De Melo's father, João, was a known figure in the ''tiatr'' world, known for his singing (''[[Tiatr#Songs|kantaram]]'') and [[violin]] playing in village performances. The family's involvement extended beyond João's individual performances, as de Melo and his father frequently participated in ''tiatr'' productions staged by local priests for a range of celebratory events. Young de Melo's theatrical talents were nurtured within this environment, with him performing alongside his father and sister Pia. He also displayed a talent for writing, composing [[liturgical drama|biblical theatrical performances]], which he showcased in the square of the [[Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Goa|Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church]] in Panjim during the festive [[Christmas]] period.<ref name=":0" /> His musical abilities were further honed through the performance of musical works authored by his father. De Melo's artistic interests extended beyond the ''tiatr'' sphere. He took an active role in both school and church activities, demonstrating his abilities in traditional dances and religious theatrical performances.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Mazarello |first=Wilson |title=Konkani Khell Tiatr |date=10 March 2018 |publisher=[[Dalgado Konknni Akademi]] |location=Panaji, Goa |pages=155}}</ref>

==Career==
De Melo's theatrical journey commenced with his debut in [[Nelson Afonso]]'s ''[[tiatr]] Árso'' (Mirror), marking his entry into professional stage performance. This development culminated in the creation of the [[musical trio|musical group]] Mil-Mel-Nel,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mazarello |first=Wilson |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K-1PAQAAIAAJ |title=100 Years of Konkani Tiatro |date=2000 |publisher=Government of Goa, Directorate of Art & Culture |pages=241–242 |language=en}}</ref> which garnered fame in the regions of [[Goa]] and [[Bombay]]. The trio's collaborations extended to popular directors such as [[C. Alvares]], [[Robin Vaz]], [[John Claro]], Bab Peter, [[Ophelia Cabral]], [[Betty Ferns]], [[M. Boyer]], Fr. Planton Faria, [[Mike Mehta]], [[Valente Mascarenhas]], [[Mario Menezes]], Maxie Pereira, [[Menino De Bandar]], etc. De Melo's directorial debut occurred in 1974–75, aged 20, when he directed Bernard D'Silva's ''Eksurem Jivit'' (Lonely Life) at [[Kala Academy]]'s annual ''tiatr'' competition. During the years 1976–77, he produced and directed his debut original ''tiatr'', titled ''Konn Kirmidor'' (Who is the Murderer?). This production received acclaim, winning the first award at the same competition.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Making an impact on Goa's cultural scene |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/Voice-Of-Tiatr/Making-an-impact-on-Goa%E2%80%99s-cultural-scene/111196 |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=oHeraldo|date=4 February 2017 }}</ref>

In the mid-1980s, de Melo initiated the formation of the Çezar Dramatic Troupe. This [[theatrical troupe|theatrical group]] became known for its performances and achievements in state-level ''tiatr'' competitions hosted by the Kala Academy, earning several awards. De Melo's contributions to the ''tiatr'' genre are marked by a series of acclaimed productions. He achieved first prize for several works, including ''Konn Kirmidor?'', ''Kal ani Aiz'' from 1982 to 1983, ''Kalliz Ostorechem'' from 1983 to 1984, and ''Kednanch Ghoddchenam'' from 1985 to 1986. He also achieved recognition with second-place wins for ''Kitem! Tum Mhozo?'' (1978–79), ''Konn Zai?'' (1979–80), ''Konnuch Noko'' (1982–83), and ''Kaide Konnak?'' (1984–85). His third-prize winning productions include ''Kirmidoracho Rosto'' (1980–81), ''Kaliz Naslolo'' (1986–87), and ''Kolakar'' (1988–89). De Melo's directorial work extends beyond these award-winning productions to include ''Visvasi vo Ghatki'', ''Konknni Machie Fattlean'', and ''Kallo Fator''. He has also made contributions to the realm of [[radio theatre]], producing and showcasing musical theatrical performances for [[All India Radio]] (AIR). These include ''Kalljivont Nazia'', ''Khoro Mog'', ''Konknni Machier Oxem Ghoddta'', ''Abgath'', ''Soddvondar'', ''Fattim Pavlo'', ''Adhar'', ''Asro'', ''Kor Kazar'', ''Kolakar'', ''Kallo Dhondo'', and ''Kelelea Mapan Gheta''.<ref name=":0" />

De Melo's contributions to the [[Goan]] theatre scene are diverse, spanning [[one-act play]]s, [[musical production]]s, and [[Konkani language|Konkani]] dramas. His [[repertoire]] of one-act plays consists of: ''Azilo Mhojem Bhirad'' and ''Akrek Sudorlo'', while his Konkani drama ''Bhurgim ani Doth'' was featured as part of the annual drama competition organized by [[Kala Academy]]. His productions exhibit a unique pattern in their titles, often commencing with the letter "K." This practice is rooted in a personal belief in the letter's auspiciousness, stemming from the success of his first ''[[tiatr]]'', ''Konn Kirmidor'', which secured first prize. Despite this, his subsequent ''tiatr'', known as ''Visvasi vo Ghatki'', did not attain any recognition or awards, leading him to adopt the "K" convention for his ''tiatr'' titles, a strategy that appears to have contributed to his success in the genre. Beyond his theatrical work, de Melo has also participated in cultural events abroad. In 1987, he contributed to the Goan Elnish Festival in [[Dubai]] by performing as both a dancer and musician with the [[folklore]] ensemble led by Timoteo. He has engaged in several cultural events arranged by the Indian Cultural Club located in both Dubai and [[Sharjah]].<ref name=":0" />

De Melo has participated in over 50 ''tiatr'' productions, showcasing his talent in both acting and singing. His artistic endeavors extend beyond live performances, as evidenced by his recorded works: a [[video album]] titled ''Vazouia Kumpasar'' (Play to the Rhythm) and the [[audio album]]s, ''Obsoeg vo Abgath'' and ''Goa's Rumblé''. The former, ''Obsoeg vo Abgath'' is a [[musical play]] that addressed the sensitive issue of [[AIDS]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gomes |first=Olivinho |title=Scripting the Goan Tiatr |url=https://www.artandculture.goa.gov.in/en/art-culture/scripting-the-goan-tiatr |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Art and Culture, [[Government of Goa]]}}</ref> De Melo's career encompasses both artistic and public service roles. He held positions in the [[Government of Goa|Goan government]], serving in the Education Department from 1981 to 1985 and subsequently in the Sports and Youth Affairs Department from 1986. His involvement with the cultural sector continued as the department evolved into the independent Art and Culture Department, where he retired as an assistant cultural officer in 2016. De Melo's expertise in ''tiatr'', [[one-act play]]s, and [[folk play]]s has been recognized through his appointment as a [[Adjudicator|judge]] in several competitions hosted by the [[Kala Academy]] and [[Tiatr Academy of Goa]].<ref name=":0" />

De Melo, known for his work with his Çezar Dramatic Troupe, has authored several ''tiatr'' books, including ''Kal ani Aiz'', ''Kolakar'', ''Kalliz Ostorechem'', ''Kallo Fator'', ''Kaide Konnank'', and ''Kirmidoracho Rosto''. His work has also extended beyond the stage, in April 2017, his ''tiatr'' named ''Kallo Dhondo'' was scheduled for publication. This production would encompass a [[screenplay]] titled ''Khell Jivitacho'' as well as a non-stop performance ''tiatr'' known as ''Kor Kazar''. De Melo's artistic endeavors have also taken him into the realm of [[Television in India|Hindi television]] and [[Hindi cinema|film]], where he has participated in supporting roles. He assumed the character of a [[Catholic priest]] in the television series ''[[Mera Yaar Mera Dushman]]'' and took part in a dance performance featuring [[Amitabh Bachchan]] and [[Randhir Kapoor]] in the film ''[[Pukar (1983 film)|Pukar]]''. Beyond his artistic pursuits, De Melo has also held the symbolic role of [[King Momo]] during the [[Goa Carnival]] in 2011<ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-03-04 |title=King momos have gone on to be kings after Carnival |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/king-momos-have-gone-on-to-be-kings-after-carnival/articleshow/7623847.cms |access-date=2024-08-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> and represented the same character in the [[carnival float]] for the [[2014 Lusofonia Games]]. He is also known for his passion for football, having played for clubs like Panjim Gymkhana, Young Challengers, Alto Guimaraes, and MICPA.<ref name=":0" />

==Personal life==
As of April 2017, Lydia is a [[legal professional]] practicing at the [[Bombay High Court]]. Before her marriage, she played a collaborative role in her husband's ''[[tiatr]]s'', a form of traditional theater characteristic of [[Culture of Goa|Goan culture]]. She later relocated to [[Chimbel]], [[Goa]], her mother's hometown. Together, the couple had two children: a son, Kevin, a [[Konkani language|Konkani]] actor and [[theatre arts]] educator,<ref name=":0" /> and a daughter, Karen, a [[television presenter]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Curb you festivity! |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/Curb-you-festivity/98300 |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=oHeraldo|date=28 January 2016 }}</ref> As of 2018, de Melo resides in Panjim, Goa.<ref name=":1" />

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:D'Mello, Cezar}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1956 births]]
[[Category:Tiatrists]]
[[Category:People from North Goa district]]
[[Category:Dramatists and playwrights from Goa]]
[[Category:Indian dramatists and playwrights]]

Cezar D'Mello - Revision history

Jhonny: added initial details w/ sources