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{{Short description|Indian actor and playwright (born 1959)}}
{{AI-generated|date=January 2026|reason=Since initial 2024 versions e.g. [[Special:PermanentLink/1240678530|this]]; note [[WP:AISIGNS]] such as promotional tone, vocab distribution typical of 2024 LLMs etc}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Justiniano Fernandes
| image = TIM THIKAM SANDDLELIM (cropped).jpg
| caption = Fernandes during a performance in Sammy Tavares' ''[[tiatr]] Tim Thikam Sanddlelim'', 2014
| birth_place = [[Sanguem]], [[Goa]], [[Portuguese India]], [[Portuguese Empire]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1959|3|8|df=y}}
| education = [[Secondary School Certificate]] (SSC)
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|playwright}}
| years_active = 1989–present
| spouse = {{marriage|Cicilia Rodrigues|1989}}
| children = 2
| notable_works = ''[[Padri (film)|Padri]]'' (2005)
| awards = [[Tiatr Academy of Goa|TAG]]'s "Lifetime Contribution to Tiatr Award" (2022)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gomantaktimes.com/news/goa/lifetime-contribution-awards-on-pai-tiatrists-birth-anniversary|title=Lifetime Contribution Awards on Pai Tiatrist's birth anniversary|date=December 16, 2022|website=Goa News in English on Gomantak Times}}</ref>
}}

'''Justiniano Fernandes''' (born 8 March 1959) is an Indian actor and playwright known for his work in [[Konkani cinema|Konkani films]] and ''[[tiatr]]'' productions.

==Early life==
Justiniano Fernandes was born on 8 March 1959, in [[Sanguem]], [[Goa]]. His birth coincided with a period when [[Portuguese Goa|Goa was under Portuguese colonial rule]]. Fernandes, a member of a [[Goan Catholic]] family, was the eldest of three children. His father, Francisco Xavier Silvestre Fernandes, was a tailor and musician, known for his skills playing the [[banjo]], while his mother, Emilia Fernandes, was a [[homemaker]]. His younger siblings were Caetano (born 1969), and sister Salvação, (born 1961).{{cn|date=August 2024}} Fernandes's early life was marked by exposure to music and performance. His father's musical talents and his uncle Cajie's musical inclinations fostered a love for the arts.<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=128}}</ref> Then at the age of eight, Fernandes performed a [[Comedy music|comedic song]] at a cultural program at his school, Milagres High School in Sanguem. His performance received commendation from the [[parish priest]] in attendance.<ref name=":0" />

Fernandes' early theatrical career was marked by a foundation in his school years. He received encouragement from Fr Philomena D'Costa, the principal of his school, who played a pivotal role in fostering his artistic development. His first play, ''Ghorabeacho Ekvott'', debuted during his tenth grade, earning him recognition and a cash prize from the principal.<ref name=":0" /> Following his secondary education, Fernandes pursued his interests in theater by collaborating with his colleagues to write and direct [[one-act play]]s. His play ''Piso'' achieved success at an inter-[[ward (electoral division)|ward]] drama competition in Sanguem, securing first place. Subsequently, he created another one-act play intended for a competition in [[Chandor]], which received top honors from judges Felicio Cardoso and [[Uday Bhembre]].<ref name=":1" />

==Career==
Fernandes's theatrical journey began with his participation in regional theatrical contests organized by the village's holiday [[committee]]. His talent for writing and directing ''[[tiatr]]s'', a traditional [[Goan]] [[musical theatre]] form, was quickly recognized, leading to several awards. He made his debut as a playwright with the ''tiatr Bhoinnik Lagon'' and was later complemented by the staging of [[one-act play]]s in multiple venues throughout [[Goa]]. His performances caught the attention of [[Premanand Lotlikar]]. In 1989, Lotlikar offered him a role in his production ''Rup vo Rupnnem'', marking Fernandes's entry into professional theatre. He went on to appear in several other ''tiatrs'' by Lotlikar, including ''Zindabad'', ''Ho Mhozo Oprad'', and ''Kednanch Borem Zai Naka''. Fernandes's talent was further recognized by ''tiatr'' director [[Jose Rod]], who cast him as a substitute in his production ''Mauli''. The play garnered acclaim, achieving a total of 50 performances and extending its reach through a tour in the [[Gulf region]]. Fernandes continued to build his career with roles in ''tiatrs'' such as ''Nison''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Justiniano marches towards gold |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/Voice-Of-Tiatr/Justiniano-marches-towards-gold/88344 |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=oHeraldo |date=31 August 2022 }}</ref>

Fernandes's career in Goan ''tiatr'' was marked by his collaborations with a wide range of popular figures in the genre. He appeared in productions by playwrights and
directors, including [[Ben Evangelisto]], [[Prince Jacob]], [[Mini Mario (singer)|Mini Mario]], [[Mario Menezes]], Kenny Ferns, Anthony San, [[Prem Kumar (Konkani actor)|Prem Kumar]], and Antush D'Silva. The plays include ''Pirai'' by Kenny, ''Mhaka Tuji Goroz'' by Anthony, ''Vauraddi'' by Kumar, ''Ho Mhozo Kaido'' by D'Silva, Ben's ''tiatr Chondrim'', Jacob's ''Posko'', ''Papi'', ''Pai'', ''Pirachit'', and ''Passport'', this involved a pair of tours to the Gulf region. Fernandes took part in the ''tiatr Koso Asa'' directed by Mini Mario, which included [[Lorna Cordeiro|Lorna]] among its performers. Menezes further cast him in two additional productions: ''Tiatr Somplo, Cholat Ghara'' and ''Sonvsarant Konn Nhoim Konnacho''. Fernandes spent six years with [[Comedian Ambe]]'s [[Theatrical troupe|troupe]], during which he delivered a diverse range of performances. These collaborations provided Fernandes with experience and exposure, contributing to his development as a performer. In the mid-2010s, he established himself as a frequent participant to the productions of Jr. Reagan, appearing in several of his ''tiatrs'', including ''Teddy Bear'', ''Teacher'', ''Ticket'', and ''Tiatr'', culminating in his participation in the 2015 ''tiatr Taj Mahal''.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Love always finds its way |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/Voice-Of-Tiatr/Love-always-finds-its-way/88342 |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=oHeraldo}}</ref>

Fernandes's theatrical career was marked by a breakthrough in 2012. He received the Late Dr Jack Sequeira Best Actor Award for his performance in [[Sammy Tavares]]'s ''tiatr Aplea Bhurgeam Sangata'' (With Their Children), presented by the Taleigao Cultural Group. This performance, which depicted a father's life journey from marriage to old age, was considered by Fernandes to be a pivotal role in his career. In 2014, his involvement in Tavares's ''Tim Thikam Sanddlelim'' led to international tours, including performances in the [[Gulf]], London, and the United States. This production featured a unique familial element, as Fernandes's two younger brothers, Cajy and Jose, joined the troupe. Cajy's drumming and Jose's [[solo (music)|solo performance]]s added an unexpected dimension to the production.<ref name=":0" />

Fernandes's career spanned between [[public service]], film, and theatre. He began his professional life in the Water Resources Department, but his artistic talents led him to a career in entertainment. He has made appearances in more than 30 [[VCD]]s, three feature films, and several stage productions. His film credits include ''[[Padri (film)|Padri]]'' and ''Roddonaka'' directed by [[Prince Jacob]], and [[Bonifacio Dias]]'s ''Moriad''. He has also starred in the VCDs ''Challis Dis'' by Mouzinho Travasso and ''Pirai'' by Joywin, often alongside his wife Cicilia and daughters Eglise and Elina. Fernandes is particularly known for his contributions to [[Goan]] theatre. The ''tiatr Fuddar'', created by him, received accolades at the [[Kala Academy]]'s annual ''tiatr'' competition in 1990, securing the third position. In 2013, the work was subsequently released as a book by the [[Dalgado Konknni Akademi]]. He has also promoted [[Goan culture]] through various [[broadcast]]s on [[All India Radio]] (AIR) and by creating a [[folk play]] named ''Uxir Zalo''. In January 2015, Fernandes performed his play ''Bezababdar'' in [[Saudi Arabia]], with the production sponsored by the United Goans of Saudi Arabia.<ref name=":0" />

==Personal life==
On 13 May 1989, Fernandes, aged 30, married Cicilia Lowrecine Rodrigues, aged 26, at the [[Sanguem]] church. They had their [[civil marriage]] registration completed a day earlier at Sanguem. Fernandes's wife, Cicilia, is a [[homemaker]] who was born in [[Bombay]], India, and resided in [[Curtorim, Goa]].{{cn|date=August 2024}} The couple has two daughters, Eglise and Elina. As of 2018, Fernandes resides in his ancestral neighborhood of Bamonsai, Sanguem.<ref name=":1" /> He is not a full-time ''[[tiatrist]]'' but worked in the Water Resource Department of the [[Government of Goa]]. He has expressed his concerns regarding alcohol consumption and other detrimental behaviors among emerging ''tiatrists'', emphasizing the importance of preserving the integrity of the [[Tiatr|Konkani stage]].<ref name=":0" />

==References==
{{Reflist}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Fernandes, Justiniano}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1959 births]]
[[Category:Tiatrists]]
[[Category:Writers from South Goa district]]
[[Category:Actors from South Goa district]]

Justiniano Fernandes - Revision history

ErlindaLamson9: starting some entry v1 - done