Ben Evangelisto

Evangelisto Diogo Agnelo Fernandes (born 10 September 1966), known professionally as Ben Evangelisto, is an Indian comedian, actor, singer, and playwright known for his work in Konkani films and tiatr (theatre) productions.

Early life Evangelisto Diogo Agnelo Fernandes was born on 10 September 1966 in Margao, Goa, India. He was the son of Caetano Fernandes, a seafarer, and Maria Purificaçaò Goes, a homemaker. Fernandes's paternal uncle was a performer of moderate acclaim, known for his contribution in a minor capacity to the Konkani film Jivit Amchem Oxem. From a young age, Fernandes demonstrated an interest in Goan Konkani theater, known locally as tiatrs. During his childhood at the age of 9, he was a frequent spectator at the non stop dramas presented by Rosario Rodrigues, a popular figure in the Goan khell tiatr tradition. Fernandes was also influenced by the similar works of young tiatr artists from Colva, such as Rosary Ferns. Following the viewing of these performances, he would go back to his uncle's residence in Sernabatim and replicate the cants or songs from the tiatrs, with a focus on those created by Rodrigues. He later began collaborating with another well-known director, Roseferns, appearing in his tiatr Beiman Tum (You Faithless One). This production ran for 60-70 shows, with Fernandes playing a comedic role as a "spring priest" that drew both praise and criticism from audiences. Following his work with Roseferns, he continued to act in multiple additional tiatrs directed by him over the subsequent years.

Fernandes' career has spanned multiple roles, including both acting and producing. Early in his career, he was cast by Roseferns to portray the role of a grandmother in the tiatr Xinxe (Glass). He went on to perform in a series of tiatrs directed by other popular playwrights, including three productions by Jose Rod, as well as works by C. D'Silva, John D' Silva, Rosario Rodrigues, Prem Kumar, Pascoal Rodrigues, and Mario Menezes. Fernandes has also expanded his reach beyond Goa, traveling abroad to perform tiatrs in the Gulf region, the United Kingdom, France, Portugal, and Canada.

Fernandes has had a varied career in Konkani theater. In 2017, he returned to the stage with the production Goy, Goykar, Goykarponn, authored by Mariano. He later wrote and produced his own 2020 play titled Utt Ani Chol (Get Up and Walk), which drew inspiration from his personal life experiences, health challenges, and religious faith. For Utt Ani Chol, Fernandes cast C. D'Silva, an actor who had previously portrayed elderly female characters in one of Fernandes' play Kidd. Fernandes' wife, Sibila, who is also a tiatrist, provided the voiceover for this production.

Personal life Fernandes and his future wife Sibila Rodrigues met while the latter was a college student. In her third year of study, she finalized a project focusing on the theme "Amcho Goyncho Tiatr" (Our Goa's Tiatr). As part of this project, Rodrigues conducted an interview with Fernandes. Following the interview, they developed a romantic relationship.