Comedian Selvy

Matheus Correia (14 February 1974 – 25 July 2022), known professionally as Comedian Selvy, was an Indian comedian, actor, playwright, singer, director, and producer known for his work in Konkani films and tiatr productions. Referred to as the "Comedy King of the Konkani stage" by The Navhind Times, he is regarded as one of the greatest Konkani comedians of his generation. He was noted mainly for his comedy performances and was deemed "Goa's most loved comedian".

During his career span of more than two decades as a Konkani comedian, Correia has acted in more than 60 tiatrs and was cast by prominent Konkani directors such as John D'Silva (14–15 tiatrs), Agostinho Themudo (23 tiatrs) from 2007 to 2019, beginning from the tiatr Sir to signing off in Pai (Father) and Roseferns (20 tiatrs) Comedian Sally, C. D'Silva, Pascoal Rodrigues and Milagres de Chandor. Joyel Fernandes, known professionally as Comedian Joyel, an emerging Konkani comedian from Maina-Curtorim also recalls that Correia was his inspiration to take up the comedy genre.

VCDs and CDs Correia was also featured in more than 200 VCDs. He produced 5 of them namely, Bekar Louddi, Second Hand, Garbage and Wrong Number. and has sung in about 25 CDs. to perform for his audience.

Directoral debut and films Correia eventually started writing, producing and directing his own tiatrs. Raza Jeita Kombo Choita and 8 Dis (8 Days) remain his only and most popular productions till date, which resulted in a tremendous positive response from the Goan diaspora in the United Kingdom.

Personal life

Matheus Correia was born to Goan Catholic parents, Jose Correia and Joana Batistina Fernandes, on 14 February 1974 in Velim, hailing from Fursabhatt.

Awards

Correia was honoured by the Gulab Award in 2007 and Dr. Jack de Sequeira Memorial Award for his contributions towards the Konkani stage. He was also a recipient of the Yuva Srujan Puraskar award from the Arts and Culture Department of the Goa Government for the year 2011–2012.

Death Correia had complained to his troupe about uneasiness and toothache while performing in his tiatr, 8 Dis (8 days). On 15 July 2022, he visited the South Goa District Hospital in Margao for a checkup during which he was informed by the examining specialist that his diabetes and haemoglobin levels were showing negative signs. He was moved swiftly to Goa Medical College and was admitted on 16 July 2022. Selvy's elder son, Myron Correia, informed the media that his father's diabetes was under control but the blood platelet count was still low. He later was shifted to the intensive care unit of the hospital, wherein he received many telephone calls from his loved ones. Several Goans also offered to donate blood to save his life after many blood donation requests were made. However, on 25 July 2022, Selvy unexpectedly died at the age of 48.

Reactions The Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant and several other political leaders gave their condolences to the bereaved family.

Funeral Correia's funeral was held on 27 July 2022 at St. Francis Xavier Church, Velim. It was attended by tens of thousands of Goans, including his family, friends, tiatr fraternity and political leaders. He was later laid to rest at St. Francis Xavier Church cemetery, Velim.

Legacy On 31 July 2022, Correia's tiatr 8 Dis (8 Days) was staged posthumously in response to public demand and as a fulfillment to his last wish. Myron, Correia's elder son, also mentioned that prior to his father's death, he wanted the doctors to discharge him so that he could perform in the show. Hundreds of tiatr lovers were seen paying their respects at Ravindra Bhavan in Margao, and a one-minute silence was observed to honor Correia.

Selected stage works Year Title Role Ref Amchem Chintop Tumchem Xixop Comedian Amontronn Comedian Aslelim Dukhi Naslelim Sukhi Comedian Avessor Comedian Bott Comedian Bovall Comedian Budhvontank Fatranchem Xit Comedian Daddy Comedian Dessak Luttinaka Comedian Dev Boro Dis Dium Comedian Devak Zai Zalear Comedian Dhull Comedian Ekvott Comedian Fight For Right Comedian Il’Lixi Chuk Comedian Jem Devan Goddlam Comedian Jezu Amkam Ilaz Comedian Jezuchem Povitr Rogot Comedian Jinn Comedian Kaideachem Vo Faideachem Comedian Kazari Put Konnacho? Maicho Vo Bailecho? Comedian Kirnnam Comedian Konn? Comedian Magnnem Comedian Match Fixing Comedian Menn Comedian Meulelem Naka Sandlelem Zai Comedian Mhaka Sangat Comedian Mhoji Sun Mhoji Dhuv Comedian Mhozo Suskar Tum! Comedian Monisponn Vo Devosponn Comedian Mummy Comedian Nhoim Mogache Pun Rogtache Comedian Osleo Sunnom Gharant Ietoch Comedian Pai Comedian Pavsa Pavsa Yo Re Yo Comedian Peleachea Vostunchu Axea Korum Noie Comedian Police Comedian Porddo Comedian Purtugez Goenkar Comedian Que Sera Sera – Zaunchem Zatelem Comedian 2019 Raza Jieta Kombo Choita Director & comedian Rogot Comedian 2007 Sir Comedian Sokallim Comedian Somzonni Comedian Sorry Comedian Sot’tor Pautti Saat Comedian Sounsarant Borem Naum Dovor Comedian Sukhnneachem Ghor Ghontter Nhoi Comedian Suknnim Comedian 2016 Strike Comedian Tem Tuka Naka Comedian Tempa Pormonnem Comedian Udok Comedian Ugddas Comedian Umannem Comedian Undir Mhojea Mama Comedian Undir Mogan Podlo Comedian Vaitt Comedian Vann Comedian 1998 Vatt Comedian Voir Marlolo Fator Comedian Xezarim Mornnak, Soirim Jevnnak Comedian Xik Aikpak, Aik Xikpak Comedian Zero Comedian 2022 8 Dis Writer, director & comedian

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