Ilushiklom: Created!

2026-03-07T08:00:27Z

Created!

New page

{{Short description|Indian comedian and actor (1957–2010)}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Comedian Peter
| image = Comedian Peter.jpg
| caption = Portrait of da Costa in his later years
| birth_name = Pedro Menino da Costa
| birth_place = [[Margão]], [[Goa]], [[Portuguese India]], [[Portuguese Empire]]
| birth_date = {{birth date|1957|9|16|df=y}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|2010|10|11|1957|9|16|df=y}}
| other_names = {{hlist|Peter D'Costa|Peter de Colva}}
| death_place = [[Colva, Goa]], India
| occupation = {{hlist|Comedian|actor|composer|playwright}}
| years_active = 1974–2010
| spouse = {{marriage|Margarida da Costa|1999}}
| children = 2
| relatives = [[Josephine Dias]] (sister)
| burial_place = Our Lady of Merces Church cemetery, Colva, Goa, India
}}

'''Pedro Menino da Costa''' (16 September 1957 – 11 October 2010), known professionally as '''Comedian Peter''', was an Indian comedian, actor, composer, ghostwriter, playwright, and lyricist known for his work in [[Tiatr#khell tiatr|''khell'']] and ''[[tiatr]]'' productions.

==Early life==
Pedro Menino da Costa was born on 16 September 1957, in [[Margão]], [[Goa]], which was a part of [[Portuguese India]] during the period of the [[Portuguese Empire]]. He was born into a [[Goan Catholic]] family with a strong connection to the traditional [[Goan]] theater known as ''[[tiatr]]''. His father, Casiano, hailed from [[Varca]], Goa, while his mother, Maria Santana Joana da Silva, a [[homemaker]], came from [[Colva]], Goa.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=30 June 2006 |title=Registo De Nascimento |url=https://goaonline.gov.in/Appln/UIL/BirthDeathCertificate_af?__Key=&_Mode=B&__cscKey= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810131321/https://goaonline.gov.in/HomePage |archive-date=10 August 2023 |access-date=10 August 2023 |website=Goa Online}}</ref> ''Tiatr'' played a significant role in da Costa's family, with several relatives actively involved as writers and actors in this form of entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Times |first=Navhind |date=2023-07-18 |title=Golden years in tiatr – The Navhind Times |work=The Navhind Times |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2023/07/18/magazines/buzz/golden-years-in-tiatr/ |access-date=2024-05-14 |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718133733/https://www.navhindtimes.in/2023/07/18/magazines/buzz/golden-years-in-tiatr/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Notable among his siblings were Dioginho (born 1951), as well as the late Camilo, Joaquim, [[Josephine Dias]], and David, all of whom were performers in the [[Konkani language|Konkani]] theater scene.<ref name=":1" /> Da Costa's father, not only had a presence as a performer in ''tiatrs'' but also made contributions as a playwright and director within the [[Tiatr|Konkani theater]] community. His involvement further enriched the family's background in the art form.<ref>{{Cite web |title=An award to bring out the best of young talent on the Konkani stage |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/An-award-to-bring-out-the-best-of-young-talent-on-the-Konkani-stage/207146 |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=oHeraldo |date=31 August 2022 |archive-date=2023-07-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709210337/https://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/An-award-to-bring-out-the-best-of-young-talent-on-the-Konkani-stage/207146 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Career==
Da Costa began his early involvement in the [[performing arts]] as a young performer, introduced to the field by his father, Casiano, within the realm of ''[[tiatr]]s'', a traditional [[Goan]] style of theater. Later on, da Costa shifted to engaging in ''zomnivoile khell'', which are popular [[street play]]s found in [[Goa]]. He gained recognition for his performances in [[Shalibai]]'s ''fells'', synonymous with ''[[Tiatr#Khell tiatr|khell]]'' productions. In addition to his acting endeavors, da Costa began writing ''khells'' and assumed the role of a young [[mestre]], imparting [[Act (drama)|play act]]s, known as "''partio''", to a group of aspiring youths from [[Quepem taluka#Settlements|Assolda]] and Paroda-[[Quepem]] on a regular basis. It was through his involvement in A. M. Pacheco's ''[[Tiatr#Khell tiatr|khell-tiatrs]]'', specifically ''Odruxtt'' (1974) and ''Mr. Romeo'' (1974),<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=25 October 2015 |title=Tiatrist Profiles (Konkani Drama): A.M.Pacheco |url=https://tiatracademyofgoa.com/ |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=[[Tiatr Academy of Goa]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210194355/https://tiatracademyofgoa.com/ |archive-date=2011-02-10 }}</ref> that da Costa secured a breakthrough in the commercial theater domain.<ref name=":0" />

Da Costa showcased his versatility as an artist by portraying characters with both comedic and serious undertones, demonstrating his ability to excel in diverse roles across the spectrum of performing arts. He initially emerged as Comedian Peter in A. M. Pacheco's uninterrupted drama ''Fator'' (Stone) staged in 1981.<ref name=":2" /> Da Costa's comedic prowess shone through his delivery of dialogues and body movements, leaving audiences in fits of laughter. His talent for [[Impressionist (entertainment)|mimicking]] prominent personalities from the realms of ''tiatr'', politics, society, and religion further contributed to his acclaim.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Da Costa |first=Fausto V. |title=TIATR 125th Anniversary Commemorative Volume |publisher=[[Tiatr Academy of Goa]] |year=2019 |location=[[Panaji, Goa]] |pages=127–128}}</ref> Throughout his career, da Costa collaborated with popular [[Konkani language|Konkani]] directors such as Pascoal Rodrigues, Filipe Almeida Minino Mario, Milagres de Chandor, and F. Cardozo, participating in their respective ''tiatr'' productions.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Comedian Peter is dead |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/The-Sunday-Roundtable/comedian-peter-is-dead/41135 |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=oHeraldo |date=31 August 2022 |archive-date=2024-04-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427183707/https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/The-Sunday-Roundtable/comedian-peter-is-dead/41135 |url-status=live }}</ref>

D'Costa was also a popular figure<ref>{{Cite web |title=Celebrating the golden generation |url=https://www.thegoan.net//celebrating-the-golden-generation/1224.html |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=The Goan EveryDay |language=en |archive-date=2024-03-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323172309/https://www.thegoan.net//celebrating-the-golden-generation/1224.html |url-status=live }}</ref> in the realm of ''[[tiatr]]'' and ''[[Tiatr#Khell tiatr|khell-tiatr]]'', where he left a mark as both a performer and composer. Alongside A. M. Pacheco, he showcased his comedic talent in the works of acclaimed artists such as Premanand Lotlikar, [[Roseferns]], and Christopher-Meena. Da Costa's creative prowess extended to composing the "''cantos''" (Konkani songs) for Premanand Lotlikar's seven ''khell-tiatrs'', including popular productions such as ''Loz Ani Dukh'' (Shame and Sadness), ''Zindabad'' (Long Live), ''To Mhozo Oprad'' (That is my Fault), and ''Povitr Papi'' (Holy Sinner). In A. M. Pacheco's theatrical work ''Don Roste'' (Two Roads), da Costa demonstrated his acting range by taking on the character of a police officer, illustrating his ability to excel outside of comedic roles.<ref name=":0" />

Additionally, he exhibited his talent as a writer by creating ''tiatrs'' and ''khell-tiatrs'', frequently collaborating with others for their staging and production. However, he independently produced one ''tiatr'', titled ''Palov''. Da Costa's musical aptitude was recognized, particularly his ability to compose songs swiftly. He enhanced his reputation as a [[songwriter]] by crafting lyrics for songs and ''cantos'' that were utilized by several ''[[tiatrist]]s'' in their performances. His extensive discography included several [[Cassette tape|cassette]]s, [[CD]]s, and [[VCD]]s featuring his songs and plays, such as ''Upkar'', ''Mahatma Gandhi'', ''Circus'', ''Very Good Bhakar'', ''Abhi Tak Zinda Hai'', and ''Teg Bhav Deva Pau''. In the production ''Teg Bhav Deva Pau'', da Costa embodied [[Dual role|three distinct characters]], leaving an impact on fans of ''tiatr''.<ref name=":0" /> Da Costa introduced his final album, ''Peter D'Costa Abhi Tak Zinda Hai, Rok Sakta to Roklo'', shortly before his death.<ref name=":1" />

==Personal life==
Da Costa resided in the fourth ward of [[Colva]], Goa.<ref name=":0" /> On 12 May 1999, he entered into a [[civil marriage]] with Margarida da Costa, a [[homemaker]] originally from Macasana, Goa but born in [[Benaulim]]. The civil marriage was officially registered at the [[Salcete]] registrar's office. Subsequently, on 17 May, the couple solemnized their marriage with an official church ceremony at Our Lady of Merces Church in Colva, Goa. At the time of their union, da Costa was 41 years old, while Margarida was 33. In addition to his involvement in the [[Tiatr|Konkani stage]], da Costa also had a business venture during this period.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dourado |first=Martinho |date=199 |title=Marriage Register |url=https://services.goaonline.gov.in/t-bhBeG0CQ4fUsYdqv8IWwf5w3eZzN2KGTpvN2hifLJPLWeFdNsAhiO1IVBeFWJo--sxuDiSkj4cBouH8BYx9uSNz3jbx95PL995kcSxtnrrU1qqZUeFHBL0zH_B_o_qI0Yn9nWEpm_kl2vuh1xW8sAol-2ZD-iDWhXpXWE_eMk/t-bc8/9nW91 |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=Goa Online }}{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Together, he and Margarida had two sons named Marion (born 2005)<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 September 2005 |title=Directorate of Planning, Statistics and Evaluation and Office of the Chief Registrar of births and deaths |url=https://rbd.goa.gov.in/Certificate/CertificateSelect_goaonline.aspx |access-date=30 December 2022 |website=Goa Online |archive-date=27 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027073241/https://rbd.goa.gov.in/Certificate/CertificateSelect_goaonline.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> and Macklin.<ref name=":3" /> Da Costa's limited stage presence during the 2000s was attributed to his struggle with a [[Liver disease|liver ailment]] that significantly impacted his health. Despite his illness, he remained moderately active and released his final Konkani album titled ''Peter D'Costa Abhi Tak Zinda Hai Rok Sakta to Roklo'' one day prior to his demise.<ref name=":0" />

==Death==
On 11 October 2010, da Costa, aged 53, died at his residence in [[Colva]], Goa. The subsequent day, a [[funeral service]] was conducted at Our Lady of Merces Church in Colva, where he was interred.<ref name=":1" />

===Reactions===
Theatre director [[Roseferns]], conveyed dismay and grief upon learning about the death of his long-time collaborator, da Costa, who had been an integral part of his professional journey for nearly a decade. Recognized for his expertise in [[character comedy]] and impersonation, da Costa earned admiration from Roseferns, who endeavored to showcase his talents effectively during performances. In a candid interview, da Costa expressed appreciation for Roseferns' insights into his comedic strengths, acknowledging the director's understanding of his comedic prowess. Sally, a comedic performer who shared the stage with da Costa in Roseferns' [[theatrical troupe|theatrical group]], lauded his dedication to his craft and pursuit of artistic perfection. Their strong [[rapport]] on stage was evident, and Sally expressed his condolences to da Costa's family.<ref name=":1" />

''[[O Heraldo]]'', a local newspaper, offered its condolences to the bereaved family, recognizing da Costa's.contributions to the field of comedy.<ref name=":1" /> The [[Tiatr Academy of Goa]] (TAG) also extended its sympathies, acknowledging da Costa as a proficient comedian who added liveliness and entertainment to ''[[tiatr]]'' performances. TAG highlighted his talent for mimicking famous personalities within the ''tiatr'' community, bringing laughter to audiences through his delivery and physicality. The academy lamented the loss of da Costa, describing him as an intelligent comedian who will be deeply missed on the ''tiatr'' stage. The sentiments of TAG were conveyed by [[Tomazinho Cardozo]], the then-president of the academy.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=11 October 2010 |title=Peter D'Costa's Death Condoled |work=[[O Heraldo]] |pages=10}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Peter, Comedian}}
[[Category:1957 births]]
[[Category:2010 deaths]]
[[Category:Tiatrists]]
[[Category:Actors from South Goa district]]

Comedian Peter - Revision history

Ilushiklom: Created!