Cezar D'Mello

Cezar Aleixo Jose Fernandes de Melo (born 12 April 1956), better known as Cezar D'Mello, is an Indian playwright, theatre director, actor, singer, dancer, and former amateur footballer known for his work in Hindi, Konkani films, television, tiatr productions, and folk plays.

Early life Cezar Aleixo Jose Fernandes de Melo was born on 12 April 1956 in Pangim, Goa, which was part of Portuguese India during the Portuguese Empire. He was the son of João Luis Leão Sebastião de Melo, a postal employee and registered male nurse.

Career De Melo's theatrical journey commenced with his debut in Nelson Afonso's tiatr Árso (Mirror), marking his entry into professional stage performance. This development culminated in the creation of the musical group Mil-Mel-Nel, which garnered fame in the regions of Goa and Bombay. The trio's collaborations extended to popular directors such as C. Alvares, Robin Vaz, John Claro, Bab Peter, Ophelia Cabral, Betty Ferns, M. Boyer, Fr. Planton Faria, Mike Mehta, Valente Mascarenhas, Mario Menezes, Maxie Pereira, Menino De Bandar, etc. De Melo's directorial debut occurred in 1974–75, aged 20, when he directed Bernard D'Silva's Eksurem Jivit (Lonely Life) at Kala Academy's annual tiatr competition. During the years 1976–77, he produced and directed his debut original tiatr, titled Konn Kirmidor (Who is the Murderer?). This production received acclaim, winning the first award at the same competition.

In the mid-1980s, de Melo initiated the formation of the Çezar Dramatic Troupe. This theatrical group became known for its performances and achievements in state-level tiatr competitions hosted by the Kala Academy, earning several awards. De Melo's contributions to the tiatr genre are marked by a series of acclaimed productions. He achieved first prize for several works, including Konn Kirmidor?, Kal ani Aiz from 1982 to 1983, Kalliz Ostorechem from 1983 to 1984, and Kednanch Ghoddchenam from 1985 to 1986. He also achieved recognition with second-place wins for Kitem! Tum Mhozo? (1978–79), Konn Zai? (1979–80), Konnuch Noko (1982–83), and Kaide Konnak? (1984–85). His third-prize winning productions include Kirmidoracho Rosto (1980–81), Kaliz Naslolo (1986–87), and Kolakar (1988–89). De Melo's directorial work extends beyond these award-winning productions to include Visvasi vo Ghatki, Konknni Machie Fattlean, and Kallo Fator. He has also made contributions to the realm of radio theatre, producing and showcasing musical theatrical performances for All India Radio (AIR). These include Kalljivont Nazia, Khoro Mog, Konknni Machier Oxem Ghoddta, Abgath, Soddvondar, Fattim Pavlo, Adhar, Asro, Kor Kazar, Kolakar, Kallo Dhondo, and Kelelea Mapan Gheta. De Melo's career encompasses both artistic and public service roles. He held positions in the Goan government, serving in the Education Department from 1981 to 1985 and subsequently in the Sports and Youth Affairs Department from 1986. His involvement with the cultural sector continued as the department evolved into the independent Art and Culture Department, where he retired as an assistant cultural officer in 2016. De Melo's expertise in tiatr, one-act plays, and folk plays has been recognized through his appointment as a judge in several competitions hosted by the Kala Academy and Tiatr Academy of Goa. and represented the same character in the carnival float for the 2014 Lusofonia Games. He is also known for his passion for football, having played for clubs like Panjim Gymkhana, Young Challengers, Alto Guimaraes, and MICPA. As of 2018, de Melo resides in Panjim, Goa.