Hortencio Pereira

Hortencio Saluzinho Eduardo Vaz e Pereira (born 11 January 1953) is an Indian actor, lyricist, playwright, comedian, and singer who primarily works on the Konkani stage (Tiatr). Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has performed with several prominent directors and is noted for his contributions to Goan musical and dramatic arts.

Early life and education Pereira was born in Curchorem, Goa, to Custodio Jose Pereira and Conceicao Vaz. He attended Guardian Angel High School and completed his S.S.C. in 1971. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Parvatibai Chowgule College, Margao, in 1975. While his family was not professionally involved in theater, he was influenced by his elder brother, Chrispino Pereira, who performed in local village productions.

Career (1965–present) Acting Pereira made his stage debut at age 12 in the tiatr Sukh ani Dukh (1965). His first commercial appearance followed in 1968 in Jess Fernandes's Noxibantlim Khoddpam. Throughout his career, he has performed as a lead actor and comedian for renowned tiatrists including M. Boyer, C. Alvares, Alfred Rose, and Prem Kumar.

He is known for his versatility in dialects, comfortably performing in both the Bardez and Salcette accents of Konkani. He has also performed in Mangalorean Konkani musical shows and Hindi orchestras.

Writing and directing Pereira began scripting plays as a teenager, winning "Best Writer," "Best Director," and "Best Actor" awards at inter-village competitions between 1970 and 1972. Notable early works include Doulot (1969) and Bhas (1980).

In 1985, a professional production of Bhas faced significant financial losses after a lead performer failed to appear, leading Pereira to focus primarily on acting and songwriting for several years. He later returned to writing, serving as a ghostwriter for William de Curtorim and staging the production Hanv Vetam in 2016 at the Kala Academy tiatr competition.

Singing and song-writing As a lyricist and composer, Pereira has produced over 500 songs. He has released 10 audio albums, including Avoicho Mog and Bapaiche Tyag. He is credited with writing the lyrics for several prominent artists, including a collaboration with the musician Chris Perry.

Personal life Pereira was an English and Geography teacher at Don Bosco School, Rivona, from 1982 to 1986. He has also worked as an insurance agent and operates a toiletries business with his wife, Matilda. A sports enthusiast, he played competitive football into his sixties and represented his school and college teams.

Awards and recognition In 2023, Pereira was honored with the Goa State Cultural Award for his significant contributions to the field of Tiatr and Konkani music.

Stage credits

Albums Anthony San, Aniceto,

Socorro De Santa Cruz,

Menino Mario, Domnick Vaz,

William De Curtorim, Lorna,

Emeliano De Borda, Agnelo

Pereira, Antonete Mendes,

Rita Rose, Betty Nazareth,

Querobina Carvalho, Chitra,

Awards