KK JANGIR at 23:45, 15 March 2026

2026-03-15T23:45:21Z

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{{Short description|Indian actress and singer (born 1946)}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Sabina Fernandes
| image = Sabina Fernandes during the tiatr Novo Dis Udetanam (cropped).jpg
| caption = Fernandes in ''Novo Dis Udetanam [[tiatr]]'', 2014
| birth_name = Eusebia Feleciana Pereira
| birth_place = [[Cortalim, Goa]], [[Portuguese India]], [[Portuguese Empire]] (now in India)
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1946|8|13|df=y}}
| other_names = Saibin
| years_active = 1960–present
| occupation = {{hlist|Actress|singer|producer|director}}
| spouse = {{marriage |Gregorio Fernandes ||1999|end=died}}
| awards = [[Tiatr Academy of Goa|TAG]]'s "Lifetime Contribution to Tiatr Award" (2011)
}}

'''Eusebia Feliciana''' "'''Sabina'''" '''Fernandes''' (born '''Eusebia Feleciana Pereira'''; born 13 August 1946) is an Indian actress, singer, [[theatrical producer]], and theatre director known for her work in [[Konkani cinema|Konkani films]] and ''[[tiatr]]'' productions.

==Early life==
In her youth, she was commonly referred to as "Saibin" ({{translation|Lady}}), a term of endearment that evolved into the nickname "Sabina." Despite being born in Goa, she received her education in [[Bombay]], which was part of [[Bombay State]] (now Mumbai, [[Maharashtra]], India).<ref name=":1">Goa State Cultural Award: Smt. Eusebia Feliciana Fernandes, alias Sabina Fernandes (Tiatr) via [[Tiatr Academy of Goa]] publication (18 June 2009)</ref> During her early years of education, she enjoyed engaging in activities such as music, dance, and drama as her preferred hobbies.<ref name=":0" />

==Career==
In 1960, Fernandes seized a significant opportunity in the theatrical realm when she secured a prominent role in the [[English drama|English play]] ''Scattered Feathers''. Her acting abilities elicited acclaim and admiration from several individuals. During this theater performance, [[Master Vaz]], a then-well-known personality in the ''[[tiatr]]'' industry, discovered Fernandes and offered her a significant role in his ''tiatr'' play called ''Bapui'' (Father). Residing in [[Juhu]], [[Bombay]], at the time, Fernandes eagerly embraced this initial opportunity within the ''tiatr'' domain. Her performance in ''Bapui'' proved transformative, propelling her to attain eminence as one of the most sought-after actresses on the ''tiatr'' stage. While Fernandes has graced the ''tiatr'' scene with her acting prowess in various productions, she remains etched in the memories of ''tiatr'' aficionados for her unforgettable portrayals in [[John Claro]]'s ''Portuguez Kolvont'' (Portuguese Artist) and [[Aristides Dias]]' ''Divors'' (Divorce). In ''Portuguez Kolvont'', Fernandes delivered a performance that significantly contributed to the success of the ''tiatr''. This particular performance made history by running for more than 100 shows, establishing a record during that period. Similarly, Fernandes captivated audiences with her acting abilities in the ''tiatr Divors'', which also enjoyed a successful streak of over 100 shows. Her contributions to these two ''tiatrs'' left an impression on the discerning ''tiatr''-goers, firmly establishing Fernandes as an actress in high demand on the ''tiatr'' stage.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=de Sa |first=Victor |date=21 December 2010 |title=Meet the Artiste -- Sabina Fernandes |url=https://tiatracademyofgoa.com/ |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=[[Tiatr Academy of Goa]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210194355/https://tiatracademyofgoa.com/ |archive-date=2011-02-10 }}</ref>

Fernandes is also a vocalist known for her singing abilities and extensive [[repertoire]] of [[duet]]s performed on the ''tiatr'' stage. Collaborating with a diverse range of singers throughout her career, Fernandes garnered acclaim for her musical prowess. However, it was her duets alongside her husband, Greg de Candolim, that truly captivated the ''tiatr'' audience, earning popularity and high demand. These duets were distinguished by their clever wit, comedic flair, and have become cherished within the ''tiatr'' fraternity, leaving a mark on its history. In addition to her musical achievements, Fernandes has also made contributions to the world of acting. Her portrayal in the [[Konkani cinema|Konkani film]] ''Mhoji Ghorcarn'' (1969) garnered praise and showcased her talent. In her heyday, Fernandes was in high demand and had the honor of collaborating with popular directors of that era. She appeared in ''tiatrs'' written and directed by [[Konkani language|Konkani]] figures such as [[C. Alvares]], [[M. Boyer]], [[Alfred Rose (singer)|Alfred Rose]], [[Remmie Colaço]], [[Jacinto Vaz]], [[Kid Boxer]], [[Saib Rocha]], [[Prem Kumar (Konkani actor)|Prem Kumar]], [[Master Vaz]], [[Nelson Afonso]], [[Aristides Dias]], [[Mike Mehta]], [[John Claro]], Roam Tony, Tony Sax, [[Wilson Mazarello]], Mendes Brothers, [[Valente Mascarenhas]], and others. Her versatility and skill as an actress were acknowledged and appreciated. Fernandes's contributions extended beyond the stage and screen. She and her husband, Greg, were instrumental in producing and directing seven ''tiatrs''. Among them, works such as ''Ximiritint Sacrament'' (The Sacrament in Cemetery), ''Mhozo Titi'' (My Uncle), ''Gõycho Sadu'' (Goa's [[Sadhu]]), and ''Avoichim Dukam'' (Mother's Tears) showcased their creative vision and artistic finesse. Additionally, Fernandes ventured into the realm of [[audio production]], lending her voice to various [[audio album|audio]] and [[video album]]s. Her commitment and talent propelled her to perform in over three thousand ''tiatrs'', captivating, audiences not only in [[Goa]] but also across regions such as [[Maharashtra]], [[Gujarat]], [[Delhi]], [[Karnataka]], and even [[Arab states of the Persian Gulf|the Persian Gulf region]], including the [[United Kingdom]].<ref name=":0" />

Author [[Wilson Mazarello]] acknowledges Fernandes as a talent who has held a leading position in the [[Konkani language|Konkani]] theater for several years. Her performances have garnered acclaim, both locally and internationally, as she has traveled extensively as a ''[[tiatrist]]'', captivating audiences in diverse locations including the [[Persian Gulf]] and [[London]]. Throughout her career, Fernandes has displayed versatility and skill, embodying a wide [[character actor|range of characters]]. She excels in both serious and comedic roles, delivering performances that captivate audiences. Even as of 1995, Fernandes remains an active presence on the [[Tiatr|Konkani stage]], captivating audiences with her character portrayals.<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=193–194 |language=en}}</ref> Fernandes was one of the pioneering female actors who contributed to the Konkani stage alongside Josephine, Isalita, and Anita during the early years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Entertaining with her melody |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Voice-Of-Tiatr/Entertaining-with-her-melody/90900 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=oHeraldo |date=31 August 2022 }}</ref> Fernandes has also made appearances in [[Kala Academy]] (KA)'s annual ''[[tiatr]]'' competitions. She featured in Reggie Fernandes's ''tiatr Rater'', where she was joined by cast members such as [[C. D'Silva]] and Inas de Canacona. This production secured the first prize in the competition. The prize-winning ''tiatr'' subsequently toured various locations in [[Sikkim]], expanding Fernandes' reach and reputation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cortalim's star balances acting and singing with equal elan |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/Cortalims-star-balances-acting-and-singing-with-equal-elan/161517 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=oHeraldo}}</ref> Additionally, in 1992, Femandes and her husband Greg were cast in Avers Pereira's ''tiatr Ixttagot'' (Friendship), produced under the banner of Antvers Production. This production brought together some of the popular artists from the Konkani stage, underscoring Fernandes' standing as a sought-after performer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coming home to familiar haunts |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/Coming-home-to-familiar-haunts-/167790 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=oHeraldo}}</ref>

In November 2011, Fernandes secured the role of Maria in Derrick D'Mello's theatrical production titled ''Teag'' (Sacrifice). The play was featured at the 37th Tiatr Competition held at the [[Kala Academy]] in [[Panjim]]. ''Teag'' explored the emotional topic of children dealing with the death of their father in a tragic accident, while also navigating the impending separation from their mother, who was fighting [[cancer]] and leading a [[Precarity|precarious]] existence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Times |first=Navhind |date=2011-11-10 |title='Teag' – The inevitable of life – The Navhind Times |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2011/11/10/magazines/buzz/iwatch-teag-inevitable-life/ |access-date=2024-04-24 |language=en-US}}</ref>

In February 2013, Fernandes had the distinction of inaugurating the fourth edition of the Tiatr Festival, which was organized by the [[Tiatr Academy of Goa]]. The festival commenced at the Pai Tiatrist Auditorium, situated within the Ravindra Bhavan complex in [[Margao]]. Notable attendees included [[Prince Jacob]], then-president of the Tiatr Academy of Goa, Joe Rose, then-vice president, and Victor de Sa, the member secretary.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 February 2013 |title=Popular Tiatr Fest opens |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Panjim/19th-feb-2013/47825 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=oHeraldo}}</ref>

In May 2018, Fernandes was chosen for the role of Margarida in [[Sharon Mazarello]]'s ''[[tiatr]]'' production, ''Tukai Tench Assa'' (You share the same fate too). The play revolved around the lives of diverse families, shedding light on the challenges faced by parents left behind as their children migrated abroad in pursuit of better opportunities. These parents found themselves navigating the complexities of life during their twilight years, requiring self-reliance and resilience. Fernandes's co-actors included [[C. D'Silva]], [[Jessie Dias]], Josephine, [[Platilda Dias]], [[Wilson Mazarello]], [[Hortencio Pereira]], Anthony San, and Marcelin de Betim.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Senior tiatrists shine bright in this familial drama |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Voice-Of-Tiatr/Senior-tiatrists-shine-bright-in-this-familial-drama/130434 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=oHeraldo}}</ref>

On 17 December 2020, Fernandes was bestowed with the honor of being the guest of honor at the [[Tiatr Academy of Goa]] (TAG) Awards ceremony. The event commemorated the birth anniversary of [[Pai Tiatrist]] and featured the bestowal of "Lifetime Contribution Awards" in recognition of outstanding contributions to non-commercial ''khell'' and ''[[Tiatr#Khell tiatr|khell tiatr]]ists''. The awards ceremony unfolded in the grandeur of the main hall at Ravindra Bhavan in [[Margao]], followed by a captivating cultural program presented by Tony de Ribandar and his troupe.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TAG Awards ceremony today |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/TAG-Awards-ceremony-today/168759 |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=oHeraldo}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Fernandes married fellow [[Konkani language|Konkani]] actor and singer Gregorio Francisco Fernandes, known professionally by his [[stage name]] Greg de Candolim. She resided in the [[suburb]] of [[Juhu]], [[Bombay]] during the early 1960s, and her residence in Bombay helped her initially to be discovered by [[Master Vaz]].<ref name=":0" /> On 30 March 1999, Fernandes's husband died in [[Chicalim]], [[Goa]], at the age of 64.<ref>{{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=89}}</ref> As of 2012, she resides in the [[census town]] of Chicalim.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=45_WlAEACAAJ |title=Directory of Tiatr Artistes, 2012 |date=2012 |publisher=Tiatr Academy of Goa |pages=76 |language=en}}</ref>

==Awards==
Throughout her career, Fernandes has been honored with several awards that recognize her talent and performances. In 2004, she received the Gulab Award for Best Actress<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 November 2004 |title=Mathew Araujo gets Gulab Award 2003: Archbishop Gets Gulab Award |work=[[The Navhind Times]]}}</ref> and the Coca-Cola Award for her portrayal in the ''[[tiatr]] Tiatr Somplo Cholat Ghara'' (Tiatr is Ended, Go Home), written by the [[Konkani language|Konkani]] playwright [[Mario Menezes]]. Her acting skills were further acknowledged with a special award presented to her in [[London, UK]] for her performance in the ''tiatr Sounsar Sudorlo'' (The World Has Improved). Fernandes has been recognized and felicitated by various organizations for her significant contributions to the field of ''tiatr''. Among them are the Kala Mogi, [[Candolim]], Kuwait Goa Tiatristanchi Sounstha, Goa Konkani Academy, and [[Kala Academy]] Goa.<ref name=":1" /> In 2007–2008, she was honored with the Goa State Cultural Award in the field of ''tiatr'', a testament to her impact on the art form.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Recipients of Goa State Cultural Award |url=https://www.artandculture.goa.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/47_doc_Recipients-of-Goa-State-Cultural-Awards.pdf |access-date=9 August 2023 |website=Directorate of Art and Culture |archive-date=5 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805030337/https://www.artandculture.goa.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/47_doc_Recipients-of-Goa-State-Cultural-Awards.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

In December 2011, Fernandes was bestowed with the Lifetime Contribution to Tiatr Award by the [[Tiatr Academy of Goa]] (TAG) during the 140th [[birth anniversary]] of the Father of ''tiatr'', [[Pai Tiatrist]], held at Ravindra Bhavan, [[Margao]]. This recognition was shared with nine other veteran ''tiatr'' artists, highlighting her long-standing career and dedication to the art form.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Times |first=Navhind |date=2011-12-20 |title=TAG remembers and honours veteran tiatrists – The Navhind Times |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2011/12/20/magazines/buzz/iwatch-tag-remembers-and-honours-veteran-tiatrists/ |access-date=2024-04-24 |language=en-US}}</ref> Further adding to her list of accolades, Fernandes was honored with the TAG Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role (Female) in April 2014 for her performance in the ''tiatr Omtea Kollxear Udok'' (Pouring Water on an Upside-Down Pot) by Mario Menezes.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-03-01 |title='Xik'ko' wins big at TAG's tiatr festival |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/xikko-wins-big-at-tags-tiatr-festival/articleshow/31195448.cms |access-date=2024-04-24 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Additionally, at the 27th Tiatr Competition 2001–2002, she received the Best Quartet Singer award alongside Dominic, Seby, and Joao for their contribution in the ''tiatr Duens'' (Sickness) by Domingos Cardoz. In the 37th Tiatr Competition 2011–2012, Fernandes was awarded a merit certificate for her acting in the role of Maria in the ''tiatr Teag'' (Sacrifice) by Derrick D'Mello.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1974–1975 |title=KALA ACADEMY GOA 1st Tiatr 'A' Group Competition 1974–1975 |url=https://kalaacademygoa.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Tiatr-A-Group-Competition-Programme-Results.pdf |access-date=10 December 2023 |website=Kala Academy Goa |archive-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212055954/https://kalaacademygoa.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Tiatr-A-Group-Competition-Programme-Results.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fernandes, Sabina}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1946 births]]
[[Category:Tiatrists]]
[[Category:Actors from South Goa district]]
[[Category:Musicians from South Goa district]]

Sabina Fernandes - Revision history

KK JANGIR at 23:45, 15 March 2026