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{{Short description|Indian actress and singer (1946–2021)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2025}}
{{AI-generated|date=April 2026|reason=since early 2024 versions, note [[WP:AISIGNS]] esp. undue emphasis on significance, 2024 LLM-typical vocab distro etc}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Clara Dias
| image = Clara Dias at Young Achiever's Awards (cropped).jpg
| caption = Dias at Gomant Vidya Niketan, [[Margao]] in 2016
| birth_name = Lidvinda Anastasia Clara Correia
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1946|4|14|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Bombay]], [[Bombay Presidency]], [[British India]] (now Mumbai, [[Maharashtra]], India)
| spouse = John Dias (died 2011)
| children = 1
| other_names = Clara Correia e Dias
| occupation = {{hlist|Actress|singer}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2021|2|18|1946|4|14|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Salcete#Salcette territory|Orlim]], Goa, India
| years_active = 1961–2021
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| occupations = [[Crooner]]
| instruments = Vocals
| years_active = 1961–1964
| origin = [[Goa]], India
| past_member_of = Cuckoo
}}
}}

'''Lidvinda Anastasia Clara Correia Dias''' ([[née]] '''Correia'''; 14 April 1946 – 18 February 2021), known professionally as '''Clara Dias''', was an Indian actress and singer known for her work in [[Konkani cinema|Konkani films]], ''[[tiatr]]'' productions, and [[radio plays]].

==Early life==
Dias, born on 14 April 1946, in [[Bombay]], [[British India]] (now Mumbai, [[Maharashtra]], India), originally went by the name Lidvinda Anastasia Clara Correia. Her parents, Samuel Feleciano Braz Nazario Correia and Deleciosa Tecla Correia,<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 March 2021 |title=Directorate of planning, statistics and evaluation and office of the chief registrar of births and deaths |url=https://rbd.goa.gov.in/Certificate/DeathCertificate.aspx#aSearch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123154022/https://rbd.goa.gov.in/ErrorPage/500.htm?aspxerrorpath=/Certificate/DeathCertificate.aspx#aSearch |archive-date=23 January 2024 |access-date=29 December 2023 |website=Goa Online}}</ref> hailed from Orlim, [[Goa]]. Despite her family's lack of involvement in ''[[tiatrs]]'', Dias developed a keen interest in observing these theatrical performances.<ref name=":0" /> She received her primary education in Bombay and later attended the Portuguese [[Lyceum]] in Goa, completing her second year there. Following the region's liberation, Dias pursued her studies at the Multi-Purpose High School in [[Margao]] while simultaneously engaging in various extracurricular activities.<ref name=":1" />

From an early age, Dias displayed a profound passion for singing. She eagerly attended ''[[Tiatr#Khell tiatr|khell tiatrs]]'' and memorized the lyrics after a single hearing. In 1962, she embarked on her journey as a vocalist for the band Cuckoo, establishing herself as both an actor and singer in the realm of ''tiatr''. Upon her family's return to Goa, Dias seized the opportunity to sing for the band Cuckoo and actively performed as a [[crooner]] at weddings and other social events for nearly three years.<ref name=":0" /> As an avid listener of songs aired on the radio, she frequently requested the chance to sing on stage whenever a music band was performing at a wedding. Her requests were consistently honored. One such occasion proved pivotal when Joaquim Fernandes, the leader of the Cuckoo Band and a trumpeter, heard Dias' captivating voice and promptly invited her to join as a crooner. This marked a significant turning point in her life.<ref name=":1" />

During her school years, Dias attracted the attention of Dominic Vaz, a ''[[tiatrist]]'' from Fatrade, and two of his companions. They approached Dias' mother seeking permission for her to act in a ''tiatr''. Notably, they offered transportation for Dias and her mother to attend the shows and return home-an uncommon gesture in those times.<ref name=":1" />

==Career==
In 1964, Dias made her debut on the [[Tiatr|Konkani stage]] in the tiatr ''Sukhti Kedna?'' (When is the low tide?). Her performance was warmly received by Dominic Vaz and S. L. D'Costa, who welcomed her into the theater community. Dias showcased her talent with a solo performance titled "Sakrament," which was executed with style and earned her an enthusiastic [[encore]]. While she initially felt somewhat uneasy about performing romantic scenes, Dias took pride in receiving a cash prize of {{INRConvert|100|year=1964}} for her solo.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Entertaining with her melody |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/Voice-Of-Tiatr/Entertaining-with-her-melody/90900 |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=[[O Heraldo]] |date=11 July 2015 |archive-date=2024-01-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118111512/https://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/Voice-Of-Tiatr/Entertaining-with-her-melody/90900 |url-status=live }}</ref> Her debut paved the way for numerous acting opportunities.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web | date=2011-10-21 |title=Winning hearts with her acting prowess | newspaper=The Navhind Times |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2011/10/21/magazines/buzz/ilive-winning-hearts-her-acting-prowess/ |access-date=2024-01-18 |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-01-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118113017/https://www.navhindtimes.in/2011/10/21/magazines/buzz/ilive-winning-hearts-her-acting-prowess/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Antonio Sinforiano]], a [[Konkani language|Konkani]] writer, director, and prompter, played a crucial role in Dias' career. He not only encouraged her but also facilitated her participation in various ''[[tiatrs]]'' directed by other ''tiatr'' figures. This significant support significantly contributed to Dias' growth as an actress. During that era, female representation on stage was scarce, with only a few notable exceptions such as [[Josephine Dias]], Isalita, [[Sabina Fernandes]], and Anita.<ref name=":0" />

Dias' prior experience and confidence as a performer enabled her to excel on the Konkani stage. Over time, she collaborated with [[John Claro]], who introduced her in his ''tiatr Gupit Karann'' (Secret Reason). This opportunity led to her first trip to [[Bombay]], where she portrayed the character of a sister alongside Josephine. Subsequently, Vitorin Pereira extended a warm welcome to Dias in his ''tiatr Upkari'', which was staged at the prestigious Bangwadi Hall in Bombay.<ref name=":0" />

Dias went on to work with Konkani directors such as Mike Mehta, [[C. Alvares]], [[Prem Kumar (Konkani actor)|Prem Kumar]], [[Patrick Dourado]], Ligorio Fernandes, [[Jacinto Vaz]], [[Nelson Afonso]], [[C. D'Silva]], [[John Claro]], [[Aristides Dias]], Anil Pednekar, Jack Rodson, Salvador Afonso, Tony Dias, Samuel Carvalho, Mini Mario, and many others.<ref name=":0" /> In C. Alvares' ''tiatr Dr. Simon'', she portrayed the role of a mother. Additionally, she showcased her comedic talents alongside esteemed Konkani actors [[M. Boyer]] and Jacinto Vaz. Despite initial reservations from traditional ''tiatr'' enthusiasts, the introduction of non-stop drama proved to be a success, resonating well with audiences. Dias subsequently joined the A. Moraes troupe and later became part of the [[Roseferns]] troupe.<ref name=":1" />

In 1980, ''Thapott'' (The Slap), a theatrical production, garnered considerable acclaim, accumulating over 100 successful performances.<ref name=":1" /> During this period, Dias became an integral member of the troupe, remaining devoted to their endeavors for a span of 22 years. Within the group, Dias cherished the profound sense of camaraderie, reminiscent of a tightly knit family. She found solace in the warm treatment she received from Succorine, the wife of Roseferns, who embraced her as one of their own.<ref name=":0" />

Notably, Dias's personal life intersected with her theatrical pursuits when she married John Dias, an [[electrician]] who briefly dabbled in the Konkani stage as a [[makeup artist]]. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 2011 when John died in a motor accident. Following a hiatus, Dias resurfaced in the realm of theater, gracing productions by directors such as Samuel Carvalho, Tony Dias, and Anil Pednekar.<ref name=":1" /> After an extensive tenure under a single director, Dias sought to diversify her artistic repertoire and embarked on a new venture, showcasing her theatrical aptitude in two ''tiatrs'' directed by Maxie Pereira.<ref name=":0" />

In 2011, Dias delivered a performance in ''Goodbye'', a comedic production penned by Comedian Michael and Samuel Carvalho. In addition to her accomplishments in the dramatic domain, Dias also left a mark in [[Konkani cinema]], appearing in films like ''Zababdari'' and ''Kanteantlem Ful''. Furthermore, she lent her talents to [[radio plays]] aired on [[All India Radio]] and contributed her voice to various [[audio album]]s. Through her stage career, Dias not only garnered accolades but also embarked on journeys to [[Gulf countries]] and diverse locales within India, expanding her horizons far and wide.<ref name=":1" />

By 2015, Dias found herself increasingly intertwined with Peter/Roshan's dramatic troupe, where she became a known figure. Her association with the troupe commenced three years earlier in the tiatr production titled ''Novro'' (The Boyfriend). Similar to her experience with [[Roseferns]]' troupe, Dias forged another close-knit bond within the ensemble led by Peter/Roshan. Notably, one of their tiatrs featured a [[quintet]] performance known as ''panchko'', which comprised Roshan, Simonica, Felcy, Elvia, and Dias. The audience warmly received this performance, attesting to its resonance and artistic merit. Dias derived immense joy from both singing and acting on the Konkani stage. Although she did not compose her own songs, she reveled in interpreting the compositions of other [[lyricist]]s. Furthermore, she embraced the challenge of embodying [[negative role|negative character]]s, relishing the opportunity to showcase her versatility and artistic prowess.<ref name=":0" />

==Select filmography==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
!Ref
|-
|2002
|''Kanteantlem Ful''
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=2002-02-09 |title=Konkani film industry needs a boost |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/konkani-film-industry-needs-a-boost/articleshow/491521.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-01-18 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=2024-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119043256/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/konkani-film-industry-needs-a-boost/articleshow/491521.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2004
|''Zababdari''
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 July 2004 |title=Konkani Tiatr/Films/Comedy etc on VCDs |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041111051715/http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/GOAN-NRI/ |archive-url=https://goanet.goanet.narkive.com/3fqaYndl/konkani-tiatr-films-comedy-etc-on-vcds-update-april-2004 |archive-date=25 May 2004 |access-date=18 January 2024 |website=[[Goanet]]}}</ref>
|}

==Selected stage works==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
!Ref
|-
|1964
|''Sukhti Kedna?''
|Actor/singer
|Professional debut
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|1972
|''Gupit Karann ''
|Josephine's sister
|
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dourado |first=Lino |date= |title=GULAB-acho Pormoll Sompum Nakat |url=http://ww25.goa-world.com/goa/poems?subid1=20231214-0034-508f-bd96-bd9f2ecdd6a0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213133547/http://ww25.goa-world.com/goa/poems?subid1=20231214-0034-508f-bd96-bd9f2ecdd6a0 |archive-date=13 December 2023 |access-date=13 December 2023 |website=Goa World |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><ref name=":0" />
|-
|
|''Upkari''
|
|
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|
|''Dr. Simon''
|Mother
|
|<ref name=":1" />
|-
|1980
|''Thapott''
|
|
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|2011
|''Goodbye''
|
|
|<ref name=":1" />
|-
|2015
|''Novro''
|
|
|<ref name=":0" />
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dias, Clara}}
[[Category:1946 births]]
[[Category:2021 deaths]]
[[Category:Tiatrists]]
[[Category:Singers from Goa]]
[[Category:Singers from Mumbai]]
[[Category:Actresses from Mumbai]]

Clara Dias - Revision history

Pankajglobal at 08:09, 2 April 2026