Ophelia

Ophelia Cabral e D'Souza (born Clara Merciana Ophelia Cabral; 8 November 1938 – 19 February 2016), popularly known as Ophelia Cabral, was an Indian actress, singer, playwright, and director known for her work in Konkani films and tiatr productions. One of the multifaceted performers of her time, she is referred to as the "Tragedy Queen of the Konkani stage" and was known for her roles in Konkani films such as Amchem Noxib, Nirmon, Boglantt, Bhuierantlo Munis, and Faxi Mogachi.

Early life Ophelia Cabral e D'Souza was born as Clara Merciana Ophelia Cabral on 8 November 1938, in the village of Socorro, Goa, which was part of Portuguese India during the Portuguese Empire (now in India). She was the daughter of Gaulbert and Leena Cabral, and had three siblings: Eddie, Tony, and an elder sister Mohana, known professionally as Miss Mohana, who gained prominence as a Konkani actress and singer. Cabral spent a significant portion of her life and pursued her career in Bombay (now Mumbai).

A still from the Konkani film Amchem Noxib, ft. C. Alvares and Cabral. Throughout her career, Cabral had the opportunity to collaborate with tiatr industry figures, including Master Vaz, Dr. Simon C. Fernandes, C. Alvares, J. P. Souzalin, and M. Boyer. In addition to her acting accomplishments, Cabral ventured into writing and directing her own tiatrs, including productions such as Mhojim Bhurgim (My Children) and Bailanchi Sobai (Woman's Beauty). She also partnered with her husband to produce and direct eight tiatrs, which received acclaim from the general public.

Cabral had been actively involved in the production of various Konkani video films. She also played a role in the creation of the first Konkani video film, Faxi Mogachi, under the production of C. Alvares. Furthermore, she has contributed to the development of other video films such as Tuka Kitem Podlam and Natalancho Kusvar. She has also written and directed her own theatrical productions, including Mhoji Bhurgim and Bailanchi Sobai. Apart from her independent projects, she has also supported her husband, Bab Peter, in directing a total of 18 tiatrs. She is married to Sameer Ganapathy and they have one daughter, Nia. According to the 2012 Directory of Tiatr Artistes, Cabral resided in Mahim, Mumbai. On 19 February 2005, Cabral's husband died after suffering a heart attack at the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital in Bahrain.

Awards Cabral receives the Goa State Cultural Award from Bollywood actor and director Anupam Kher in 2013. In 2009, Cabral was honored with the "Lifetime Contribution to Tiatr Award" by the Tiatr Academy of Goa. Recognizing her contributions to literature, she also received the "Goa State Cultural Award" for the years 2010–11. In January 2011, Cabral was bestowed with the "Antonio Pereira Konknni Puroskar" (APKP) by the Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr (TSKK) for her extensive contributions to Konkani tiatr and films.

Death On 19 February 2016, Cabral died in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Her death occurred on the 11th death anniversary of her husband Bab Peter. The funeral service took place the following day at Victoria Church in Mahim, Mumbai. 1966 Nirmon Fiona 1975 Boglantt 1977 Bhuierantlo Munis Receptionist Video films

Selected stage works