Aleixinho de Candolim

João Baptista Aleixinho Fernandes (9 July 1913 – 16 July 1963), known professionally as Aleixinho de Candolim, was an Indian playwright, theatre director, singer, and composer who worked on the Konkani stage.

Career During the same era when J. P. Souzalin graced the Konkani stage in Bombay, another aspiring young man from Camotin-waddo, Candolim, emerged with a fervent desire to make his mark in Goa's theater scene. This individual was Fernandes, a 22-year-old who would later establish himself as a leading writer and director of Konkani stage plays, earning popular acclaim under the name "Aleixinho de Candolim." Fernandes was regarded as the pioneer who kick-started the tiatr movement on Goan soil. At the age of 22, Fernandes began crafting tiatrs and successfully staged his maiden play, Putanchi Duddvanchi Ass ani Avoichem Disgras, on 15 August 1935, coinciding with the feast day of the patroness Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary at Candolim's Church of Our Lady of Hope .

Fernandes swiftly gained prominence as a tiatr writer, composer, and singer. His popularity soared, with each of his compositions becoming a success. His reputation as a composer and vocalist earned him invitations to perform in tiatrs across the entire state of Goa. Fernandes soon became a household name, cherished and celebrated by the Goan populace. In 1939, Fernandes ventured to Bombay in search of employment, a path trodden by numerous Goan youth of that time. As fate would have it, German Pinto staged a tiatr at the Institute Luso Indiano on 11 November 1939, in Bombay during Fernandes' stay. Upon hearing of Fernandes' arrival, Pinto swiftly secured his services as a singer for his production. Fernandes mesmerized the Goan community in Bombay with his three renditions in the tiatr. This triumph led to an invitation to participate in another tiatr, directed by Cruz Jazzwala, held at the same venue on 6 January 1940. Prior to his ventures, Konkani tiatrs were primarily confined to the Dhobitalão area, whereas Fernandes was the first to bring tiatrs to locations such as Dadar, Mahim, Parel, and Poona. Consequently, Fernandes's initiatives paved the way for subsequent directors to stage their own tiatrs in these centers. Fernandes authored 27 tiatrs, including works such as Matarponn (Old Age), Goencho Posorkar (Goan Shopkeeper), Munddari, Bhasailolo Nouro, Mottorkar Ponk, Kuroikar, Aga Kumpar, Sezari (The Neighbour), St. Cecilia, Bhirankull Xevott (The Scary Ending), Vid Tiatristanchem, Eu Khuim vo Pescadores, Te Dogui Luche, Kallo Bazar Vo Black Market, Amcho Pordhes, Bebdeacho Estad, Miss 1951, Festache Ferientlem Ful, Cheddvankar, Mhuzo Ghov Basurkar, Millionar (Millionaire), Bhurgeankar, Omtea Kollxear Udok, and Amchea Xetachi Pavnni (The Auction of Our Field).

Personal life João Baptista Aleixinho Fernandes was born on 9 July 1913, in Camotim-waddo, Candolim, Goa, which was then part of Portuguese India during the Portuguese Empire. Fernandes exhibited a fervent passion for music and acting from an early age. His talent for singing was honed while attending the local parochial school, where he had the opportunity to perform hymns.