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{{Short description|Indian actor and singer (1925–1999)}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Valente Mascarenhas
| image = Valente Mascarenhas.jpg
| caption = Mascarenhas featured in a promotional image for his ''[[tiatr]] Guneaukari'' (Culpable).
| birth_name = Carmo Valeriano Mascarenhas
| birth_date = {{birth date|1925|11|16|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Guirim]], [[Goa]], [[Portuguese India]], [[Portuguese Empire]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|1999|8|23|1925|11|16|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Goa Medical College]], Bambolim, Goa, India
| years_active = 1938–1998
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|singer|composer|playwright|theatre director}}
| notable_works = {{ubl|
* ''[[Amchem Noxib]]'' (1963)
* ''[[Nirmon]]'' (1966)
* ''[[Muqabla (1979 film)|Muqabla]]'' (1979)}}
| spouse = {{marriage|Rita de Souza|1950}}
| children = 5
}}

'''Carmo Valeriano''' "'''Valente'''" '''Mascarenhas''' (16 November 1925 – 23 August 1999) was an Indian actor, singer, composer, playwright, theatre director, and former [[make-up artist]] known for his work in [[Hindi cinema|Hindi]], [[Konkani cinema|Konkani film]]s, television, ''[[tiatr]]'' productions, and [[folk play]]s.

==Early life==
Carmo Valeriano Mascarenhas was born on 16 November 1925 in [[Guirim]], [[Goa]], which was part of [[Portuguese India]] during the [[Portuguese Empire]], into a [[Goan Catholic]] family. He was the youngest of four children. He had three brothers: Rofino (born 1921), Leonardo (born 1917), and Jermeno (born 1915). They were born to Lourenco Caetano Mascarenhas, a [[landlord]] from [[Sangolda]], Goa, and Maria Aninha Pascoala Mascarenhas, a [[homemaker]].<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>

During his childhood, Mascarenhas made the transition to [[Bombay]] (present-day Mumbai) at the age of 12. His educational journey led him to Barretto High School in [[Cavel]], followed by enrollment at Propriety High School. Throughout his time in school, Mascarenhas exhibited a flair for painting, producing several [[portrait]]s.<ref name=":0" /> However, his predominant interest laid in the realm of the [[Tiatr|Konkani stage]].<ref name=":1" /> Based on insights from ex-politician and [[Konkani language|Konkani]] playwright [[Tomazinho Cardozo]], Mascarenhas displayed early indications of his future success in the Konkani ''[[tiatr]]'' (theater) domain during his youth.<ref name=":2" />

==Career==
Mascarenhas was a performer known for his involvement in the [[Konkani language|Konkani]] theatrical tradition of ''[[tiatr]]''. Though he possessed a talent for singing, he initially faced challenges in securing prominent opportunities to showcase this ability. During this time, Mascarenhas regularly sang in the [[choir]] at St. Francis Xavier Church in [[Dabul]], [[Bombay]]. In addition to his vocal skills, Mascarenhas also demonstrated aptitude as a [[painter]], particularly in [[portraiture]], as a school student. He leveraged this artistic talent to gain proximity to the ''[[tiatrist]]s'' - the practitioners of the ''tiatr'' form. Mascarenhas undertook [[portrait painting]] [[Commission (art)|commissions]] for ''tiatrists'', which then led to opportunities for him to work as a [[makeup artist]] for these performers.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Mazarello |first=Wilson |title=TIATR 125th Anniversary Commemorative Volume |publisher=[[Tiatr Academy of Goa]] |year=2019 |location=[[Panaji, Goa]] |pages=40–41}}</ref> This insider access allowed Mascarenhas to immerse himself in the Konkani theatrical milieu.<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=109–111 |language=en |access-date=2024-05-26 |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>

Mascarenhas proved to be a versatile actor on the ''tiatr'' stage, capable of delivering portrayals across a range of roles. In 1938, he was granted the chance to sing five songs in a ''tiatr'' production of ''Kombekar'', staged by [[Miss Ida]] at the Indra Bhavan in [[Dhobitalao]]. [[A. M. B. Rose]] and [[Alfred Rose (singer)|Alfred Rose]] also contributed their vocal talents to the cast of the same ''tiatr'' performance. However, although possessing strong vocal skills, Mascarenhas failed to leave a significant impact on the audience during his debut performance.<ref name=":1" /> He then subsequently joined the ''tiatr'' [[theatrical troupe|troupe]] of [[Simon C. Fernandes]], appearing in one of the group's productions titled ''Kunvori Hermegildachi''. This marked a turning point in Mascarenhas' career, as he went on to establish himself as an actor within the Konkani theatrical tradition.<ref name=":0" />

Mascarenhas's early career also included a singing role in the 1942 [[Goan]] ''tiatr'' (theatrical production) ''Amel Ponjecarn'' by C. Brazil. During this ''tiatr'' performance, Mascarenhas made his debut as a singer at the P. T. Bhangwadi stage in [[Bombay]]. In this same production, Mascarenhas had the opportunity to perform two songs, one [[solo (music)|solo]] and one [[duet]] with Rosario de Aldona. However, his singing during this performance did not impress the audience. After this initial foray into singing, Mascarenhas appeared to have recognized that his true talents laid more in the realm of acting rather than music.<ref name=":1" /> He was subsequently given the chance to play the role of the [[Pope]] in Simon C. Fernandes's ''tiatr Santa Philomena'', substituting for another actor who was absent. Mascarenhas took advantage of this opportunity and delivered a well-received performance as the Pope, which led to further acting roles being offered to him. He then went on to portray the character of [[Friar Lawrence]] in a production of [[Shakespeare]]'s ''[[Romeo and Juliet]]''. However, it was his lead role in the play ''Judas Iscariot'' that is said to have firmly established him as a versatile actor capable of inhabiting a wide range of characters. While Mascarenhas's initial efforts at singing did not meet with success, he was able to transition his talents towards acting, where he found acclaim and success in his career.<ref name=":0" />

Mascarenhas found success in the ''[[tiatr]]'' theater genre during the mid-20th century. He received acclaim from personalities like [[Saib Rocha]], leading to an invitation to take part in Rocha's theatrical performance titled ''Mog Ani Krim'' (Love and Crime). At first, Mascarenhas encountered enthusiasm but also encountered opposition from his elder brother, who mandated that he exclusively take part in productions under the direction of [[Simon C. Fernandes]]. [[Anthony De Sa (actor)|Anthony De Sa]] was able to intervene and convince the brother to allow Mascarenhas to accept Rocha's offer. Mascarenhas went on to appear in Rocha's 1948 ''tiatr Son of Jerusalem'', where he portrayed the character of Julius. This theatrical production took place at P. T. Bhangwadi on 11 January 1948.<ref name=":0" />

Mascarenhas had previously performed in Rocha's production ''Mog Ani Krim'' (Love and Crime) earlier. Mascarenhas also acted in the ''tiatr Dubavi Ghorkarn'' (Doubtful Housewife). His versatility and talent led to him being sought after by several ''tiatr'' directors. He demonstrated an ability to portray a wide range of characters, including elderly roles, despite his own youth. [[Konkani language|Konkani]] director and singer [[Kid Boxer]] wrote specific parts for Mascarenhas in many of his productions. Mascarenhas also acted in ''tiatrs'' directed by German Pinto, [[Minguel Rod]], [[Pai Tiatrist]], Young Menezes, [[M. Boyer]], [[Jacinto Vaz]], and [[J. P. Souzalin]]. His performance in Pinto's ''Lojechem Boglantt'' was particularly acclaimed by the audience.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Cardozo |first=Tomazinho |date=2013-09-21 |title=Valente Mascarenhas: Torekvar bhumikamni nanvlovkik zalolo kolakar |url=https://issuu.com/herald-goa/docs/21sept_amcho_avaz |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=Amcho Avaz via [[O Heraldo]] |language=gom |archive-date=2024-05-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526084226/https://issuu.com/herald-goa/docs/21sept_amcho_avaz |url-status=dead }}</ref> Through his acclaimed work in these various ''tiatr'' productions, Mascarenhas gained acclaim within the [[Goan]] theater scene of the era.<ref name=":0" />

Following his stint in ''[[tiatr]]s'' in [[Bombay]] (now Mumbai), Mascarenhas returned to [[Goa]] and immersed himself in acting roles within the realm of ''[[Tiatr#Khell tiatr|khell]]'' productions. These performances were crafted and overseen by playwrights including Ligorio Fernandes, Pascoal Rodrigues, and Lino Fernandes, among others. Mascarenhas's performances on the ''tiatr'' stage earned him acclaim and recognition.<ref name=":0" /> In addition to his acting work, he made contributions as a playwright. Over the span of his six-decade career, he was involved in the creation, direction, and production of approximately 25 ''tiatrs'', showcasing his talents in the theatrical realm across both Goa and Bombay. Some of his popular plays included ''Guneaukari'' (Culpable), ''Vhoddponn'' (Proudness), ''Tarvotteacho Put'' (Seaman's Son), ''Bim Toxem Bhat'' (As the Seed, so the Land), ''Kirmidoracho Xevott'' (Fate of a Criminal), ''Kednaim Punn Etolo'' (Someday he'll come), ''Toch Amkam Zai'' (He is what we need), ''Asli vo Nakli'' (Real or Fake), ''Khunni Sampoddio'', ''Inam Rogtacho'' (Reward of Blood), ''Kudd'ddo Bhikari'' (Blind Beggar), ''Niropradeak Bondkonn'', and ''Sonxit to Bhagivont'', etc.<ref name=":2" />

Mascarenhas was also known for his skills as a singer and would often perform songs as part of his ''tiatr'' productions. In his vocal [[repertoire]], he participated in a [[duet]] titled "Parmila" alongside Cecilia Machado, as well as a [[solo (music)|solo]] rendition of "I have 100 Acers in the valley," which gained popularity during his era. In addition to his work in tiatr, Mascarenhas composed several [[gospel song]]s. Beyond his achievements in ''tiatr'', Mascarenhas also had a presence in the film industry. He acted in the [[Konkani cinema|Konkani]] films ''[[Amchem Noxib]]'' and ''[[Nirmon]]'',<ref name=":1" /> as well as the [[Hindi cinema|Hindi]] film ''[[Muqabla (1979 film)|Muqabla]]'', where he played a significant role. Mascarenhas also took on minor roles in other [[Hindi cinema]] productions. Moreover, he was involved in the production of traditional [[folk plays]] for [[All India Radio]], Goa, and curated programs for Goa [[Doordarshan]].<ref name=":0" /> Over the course of his career, Mascarenhas is estimated to have acted in approximately 3,500 ''tiatr'' productions, cementing his status as an influential figure within the [[Goan]] ''tiatr'' tradition. While his acting prowess was celebrated, his contributions as a playwright and composer also played a significant role in shaping the evolution of this form of [[Konkani language|Konkani]] theater.<ref name=":2" />

==Personal life==
Mascarenhas and his family<ref name=":1" /> lived in the Bela Vista neighborhood in [[Sangolda]], [[Goa]].<ref name=":2" /> As a youth, he relocated to the city of [[Bombay]] (now Mumbai), where he settled in the [[Sonapur, Bhandup|Sonapur]] area of the [[Bhandup]] suburb. On 15 April 1950, at the age of 24, Mascarenhas married Rita de Souza, a 20-year-old woman from the [[Dhobitalao]] neighborhood of Bombay. The couple wed at the Church of Our Lady of Dolours in Sonapur and went on to have five children together-three sons Loandro (born 1956), Xavier, and Micky,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Take a cue from him! |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/Voice-Of-Tiatr/Take-a-cue-from-him/110471 |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=oHeraldo |date=31 August 2022 |archive-date=2024-02-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223175835/https://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/Voice-Of-Tiatr/Take-a-cue-from-him/110471 |url-status=live }}</ref> and two daughters Maria and Dorothy "Dolla" (born 1971) . At the time of his marriage, Mascarenhas was employed as a clerk in Bombay.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=20 January 1969 |title=Transcription of Marriage Certificate |url=https://goaonline.gov.in/AllServices?cat=allZUeFHBL0zH_B_o_qI0Yn9nWEpm_kl2vuh1xW8sAol-2ZD-iDWhXpXWE_eMk/t-bc8/9nW91 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520212143/https://goaonline.gov.in/AllServices?cat=allZUeFHBL0zH_B_o_qI0Yn9nWEpm_kl2vuh1xW8sAol-2ZD-iDWhXpXWE_eMk/t-bc8/9nW91 |archive-date=20 May 2024 |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=Goa Online}}</ref> After returning to Goa, he took a position at the [[Mormugao Port Trust]] (MPT) in [[Vasco da Gama, Goa]]. Mascarenhas's wife Rita also had a role in the 1963 [[Konkani cinema|Konkani]] film ''[[Amchem Noxib]]'', in which she appeared alongside her husband.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=A SPECIALIST AT WORK |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/A-SPECIALIST-AT-WORK/189260 |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=oHeraldo |date=31 August 2022 }}</ref>

Mascarenhas's three children Dola, Xavier, and Micky are involved on the [[Tiatr|Konkani stage]] as theatre actors. Mascarenhas not only engaged in performing but also made contributions to the ''[[tiatr]]'' tradition through his artistry by designing [[Theater drapes and stage curtains|stage panels]] for directors in the genre.<ref name=":3" /> In the early 1990s, Mascarenhas was reported to be in good health,<ref name=":1" /> but his condition later deteriorated, leading him to cease his Konkani stage appearances around 1998. Even as his health declined and he entered retirement, Mascarenhas remained knowledgeable about ''tiatr'' [[Tiatr#songs|songs]] and music, as noted by [[Konkani language|Konkani]] playwright [[Tomazinho Cardozo]].<ref name=":2" /> Mascarenhas died on 23 August 1999, at the age of 73, at the [[Goa Medical College]] in [[Bambolim]], Goa.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1999 |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>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{IMDb name|id=nm4956254}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mascarenhas, Valente}}
[[Category:1925 births]]
[[Category:1999 deaths]]
[[Category:Tiatrists]]
[[Category:Actors from North Goa district]]
[[Category:Musicians from North Goa district]]

Valente Mascarenhas - Revision history

TeresaBrousseau: creating the stub initial version