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{{Short description|Indian actor and playwright (1929–2000)}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Seby Coutinho
| image = Seby Coutinho.jpg
| caption = Portrait of Coutinho
| birth_place = [[Bombay]], [[British India]]
| other_names = Charlie
| birth_date = {{birth date|1929|9|5|df=y}}
| education = [[St. Sebastian Goan High School]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|2000|1|9|1929|9|5|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Holy Spirit Hospital (Mumbai)|Holy Spirit Hospital]], Maharashtra, India
| title = Founder of The Goan Cultural and Dramatic Society
| employer = National Rayon Corporation Office, [[Fort (Mumbai precinct)|Fort]], Bombay
| spouse = Bella Coutinho
| children =
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|playwright|theatre director|composer|dancer|choreographer}}
| notable_works = {{ubl|
* ''[[Amchem Noxib]]''
* ''[[Bhuierantlo Munis]]''}}
}}

'''Seby Coutinho''' (5 September 1929 – 9 January 2000) was an Indian actor, playwright, [[theatre director|director]], composer, dancer, choreographer, and former singer known for his work in [[Konkani cinema|Konkani films]] and ''[[tiatr]]'' productions.

==Career==
Coutinho made his initial foray into the [[Konkani language|Konkani]] ''[[tiatr]]'' stage under the guidance of [[Ernest Rebello]], who provided him with an opportunity to act in the ''tiatr'' production titled ''Avoicho Gutt'' (Mother's Secret) at Princess Theatre in [[Bombay]]. His performance in this production, alongside [[Miss Marekin]] and Joao Bautist Lobo, garnered appreciation from the audience. However, Coutinho faced challenges in making progress within the professional ''tiatr'' scene, as achieving recognition on the commercial stage was not a straightforward task during that period. Consequently, he decided to explore alternative avenues. Joining the Fort Dramatic Company, Coutinho collaborated with John D'Cunha to write his own ''tiatr'' called ''Ekloch Put'' (Only Son). The production was staged in multiple locations with the local boys from [[Fort area]], under the banner of the Fort Dramatic Company and received favorable responses from the audience.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Cardozo |first=Tomazinho |date=2013-06-01 |title=Mhalgodde Tiatrist Seby Coutinho |url=https://issuu.com/herald-goa/docs/1_june_amcho_avaz |access-date=2024-03-03 |website=[[O Heraldo]] |language=gom |archive-date=2023-02-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225023231/https://issuu.com/herald-goa/docs/1_june_amcho_avaz |url-status=live }}</ref> Concurrently, Coutinho took on minor roles in [[English drama|English play]]s. In 1953, he penned another tiatr titled ''Curddo Millionar'' (Blind Millionaire) and presented it through the Fort Dramatic Company. However, Coutinho, who was not accustomed to mingling with professional ''[[tiatrist]]s'', encountered difficulties in securing a place on the Bhangwadi stage in Bombay alongside established performers.<ref name=":1">{{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=150–152 |language=en |access-date=2024-03-03 |archive-date=2024-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107200151/https://books.google.com/books?id=K-1PAQAAIAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref> To overcome these obstacles, Coutinho established connections with Francis "Chicken" Carneiro, ultimately forming a new [[Theatrical troupe|theatrical group]] known as The Goan Dramatic and Cultural Society. Within this group, he collaborated with colleagues such as Cajdon D'Souza, Rico Rod, and Vincent Sernedo. Coutinho's talent as a composer became known, as he composed songs that were performed by other artists.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Rose |first=Joe |title=TIATR 125th Anniversary Commemorative Volume |publisher=[[Tiatr Academy of Goa]] |year=2019 |location=[[Panaji, Goa]] |pages=46}}</ref>

Coutinho, feeling dissatisfied with his group's performance, sought the opportunity to participate in [[C. Alvares]]' ''tiatr Borvonso'' through a recommendation from his friend B. Paul, a [[band leader]]. Despite singing two songs in the ''tiatr'', Coutinho failed to make an impact as a [[vocalist]]. Despite his efforts, Coutinho's aspirations as a singer did not materialize as expected. Nonetheless, he persisted in his pursuit and leveraged his association with the ''[[tiatr|tiatro]]'' [[make-up artist]] Camilo to secure an opportunity to sing a song in [[Alfred Rose (singer)|Alfred Rose]]'s ''tiatr'' production, ''Yench Tem Karann'' (This is the Reason). Although his singing performance failed to create an impact, it was Alfred Rose who recognized Coutinho's true potential and advised him to focus on his acting abilities instead. Coutinho possessed skills as an artiste.<ref name=":2" /> Building upon his newfound confidence, Coutinho's acting talent was formally introduced to audiences by Alfred Rose in the ''tiatr'' production titled ''Dotor Advogad'' (Doctor Advocate). Coutinho's portrayal in this production was met with acclaim, attracting the attention of directors and earning him glowing reviews. Some even compared him to the [[Bollywood]] actor [[Pran (actor)|Pran]], calling the former "Pran of the Konkani stage". Recognizing that acting was his true forte, Coutinho embraced his talent and embarked on a career as an actor, leaving behind his aspirations as a singer.<ref name=":1" />

Throughout his career, Coutinho received many offers from popular directors and collaborated with known ''[[tiatrist]]s'' such as [[J. P. Souzalin]], C. Alvares, [[Prem Kumar (Konkani actor)|Prem Kumar]], Alfred Rose, [[M. Boyer]], [[Robin Vaz]], [[Kid Boxer]], [[Minguel Rod]], Young Menezes, A. M. B. Rose, and [[Jacinto Vaz]]. Coutinho's performances consistently showcased improvement, as he studied each role and sought ways to enhance his characters through [[improvisation]]. Among Coutinho's achievements were his standout performances in plays like ''Khorkhos Ostori'', ''Angounnenchi Okol'', ''Vauraddi'' (The Labourer), ''Atam Konn Ghatki'' (Who now is a traitor?)," and ''Barabas'' ([[Barabbas]]), which resonated with audiences and garnered acclaim. His talent spanned a wide range of [[character role]]s, from comedic to serious, demonstrating his versatility.<ref name=":1" /> Moreover, Coutinho's skills extended beyond acting, as he was a [[ballroom dancer|ballroom]] and [[folk dance]]r. He choreographed numerous dance routines for prestigious institutions and organizations in [[Bombay]], leaving an impact on the dance community. Coutinho has contributed his choreography to the [[Konkani cinema|Konkani]] film ''[[Amchem Noxib]]'', and he can also be observed performing as a dancer in the movie. Parallel to his artistic pursuits, Coutinho maintained a full-time position at the National Rayon Corporation Office in [[Fort (Mumbai precinct)|Fort]], Bombay, showcasing his commitment to both his professional and creative endeavors. He also made appearances in films such as ''Boglantt'' and ''Zababdari'', further expanding his presence in the entertainment industry. Moreover, he assumed a principal role in the popular [[Goa]] [[TV series]] ''Ek Kahani'', which was adapted from the [[Konkani language|Konkani]] novel ''Angounn'' by [[Damodar Mauzo]].<ref name=":2" />

Coutinho's contributions to the [[Tiatr|Konkani theater]] scene extended beyond acting and dancing. He ventured into writing and directing, creating several ''tiatrs'' of his own. Popular works include ''Ekloch Put'', ''Curddo Millionar'', ''Mhaka Guneanv Bhogos'', ''Amche Disgras'' (Our Disgrace), ''Mhozo Oprad'', ''Avoicho Ulhas'' (Mother's Joy), and ''Imtteache Bognnar''. Through his productions, Coutinho aimed to address [[social issue|societal issue]]s and convey [[moral]] messages, using the power of theater to inspire positive change. Coutinho left an impression with his portrayal of [[Barabbas]] in [[Robin Vaz]]'s ''tiatr Barabas'', which resonated with audiences. He was lauded for his nuanced performances and meticulous preparation, earning him a reputation as an intense and dedicated actor.<ref name=":0" /> Coutinho's artistic abilities extended beyond the stage, as he mastered various dance forms and blended [[Western dance (Europe and North America)|Western]] and [[Culture of Goa|Goan folk dances]]. He instructed and presented a multitude of traditional [[folk dance]]s at many significant events in the presence of important dignitaries. In addition to his theatrical achievements, Coutinho appeared in several Konkani films, including ''Amchem Noxib'', ''Kortubancho Sonvsar'', ''Boglantt'', and ''[[Bhuierantlo Munis]]''. His role in ''Boglantt'' received acclaim. Despite the passage of time, Coutinho remained an active participant in the Konkani theater community, regularly touring Goa and even [[Gulf countries]] with ''tiatro'' groups. Coutinho's acting prowess was characterized by his level of intensity, establishing him as a thespian who delved into the intricacies of his roles to authentically portray the essence of his characters. With a [[repertoire]] of over 450 ''tiatr'' performances across various productions, he also undertook tours as a ''tiatrist'' in Bombay, [[Poona]], and [[East Africa]].<ref name=":1" />

==Personal life==
Seby Coutinho was born on 5 September 1929, in [[Bombay]], which was part of [[Bombay Presidency]] in [[British India]] to Francis Coutinho. He grew up in [[Cortalim]], Goa, and later resided in [[Colvale]]. Coutinho's passion for singing, acting, and dancing emerged at a young age. He received his primary education at [[St. Sebastian Goan High School]] in [[Dabul]], Bombay,where his love for literature and poetry blossomed. He garnered acclaim for his [[elocution]] and [[poetry reading]] abilities, consistently earning awards and recognition at the school level. His teachers and principal recognized his potential as an actor, often commenting on his talent during school performances. Known for his [[Impersonator|mimicry]] skills, Coutinho was affectionately referred to as "Charlie" by his friends due to his ability to impersonate [[Charlie Chaplin]] with accuracy. During his school years, Coutinho had opportunities to perform in [[English drama]]s, showcasing his acting abilities. Coutinho married Bella, a [[choreographer]] specializing in [[folk dance]]s,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mumbai: MKKS Holds Fifth Konkani Amateur Singing Competetion |url=https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=89286 |access-date=2024-03-03 |website=www.daijiworld.com |language=en}}</ref> and the couple welcomed a daughter named Jennifer, who went on to become a [[Konkani language|Konkani]] singer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kennys 8th Konkani Music Album Senorita- daijiworld.com |url=https://www.daijiworld.com/chan/sponsoredDisplay.aspx?sID=3866 |access-date=2024-03-03 |website=www.daijiworld.com}}</ref>

As of 1995, Coutinho resided with his family in [[Marol]], Bombay.<ref name=":1" /> On 9 January 2000, Coutinho died at the [[Holy Spirit Hospital (Mumbai)|Holy Spirit Hospital]] in [[Andheri, Mumbai]], at the age of 70 following a short illness.<ref name=":0" />

==Select filmography==
===Films===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
!Ref
|-
|1963
|''[[Amchem Noxib]]''
|Choreographer/dancer
|
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|1970
|''Kortubancho Sonvsar''
|
|
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|1975
|''Boglantt''
|
|
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|1977
|''[[Bhuierantlo Munis]]''
|
|
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|2004
|''Zababdari''
|
|
|<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-02-08 |title=Konkani VCD 1 new + 4 Releasing soon (plus updated list of 74 VCDs) |url=http://www.goa-world.com/ |access-date=2024-02-26 |website=Goa World|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040208164344/http://www.goa-world.com/ |archive-date=2004-02-08 }}</ref>
|}

===Television===
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
!Ref
|-
|
|''Ek Kahani''
|Lead role
|
|<ref name=":2" />
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Imdb name|id=4959627}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Coutinho, Seby}}
[[Category:1929 births]]
[[Category:2000 deaths]]
[[Category:Tiatrists]]
[[Category:Writers from South Goa district]]
[[Category:Actors from South Goa district]]

Seby Coutinho - Revision history

Ghaiinfra: Added First Pg V1!