Seby Coutinho

Seby Coutinho (5 September 1929 – 9 January 2000) was an Indian actor, playwright, director, composer, dancer, choreographer, and former singer known for his work in Konkani films and tiatr productions.

Career Coutinho made his initial foray into the Konkani tiatr stage under the guidance of Ernest Rebello, who provided him with an opportunity to act in the tiatr production titled Avoicho Gutt (Mother's Secret) at Princess Theatre in Bombay. His performance in this production, alongside Miss Marekin and Joao Bautist Lobo, garnered appreciation from the audience. However, Coutinho faced challenges in making progress within the professional tiatr scene, as achieving recognition on the commercial stage was not a straightforward task during that period. Consequently, he decided to explore alternative avenues. Joining the Fort Dramatic Company, Coutinho collaborated with John D'Cunha to write his own tiatr called Ekloch Put (Only Son). The production was staged in multiple locations with the local boys from Fort area, under the banner of the Fort Dramatic Company and received favorable responses from the audience. Concurrently, Coutinho took on minor roles in English plays. In 1953, he penned another tiatr titled Curddo Millionar (Blind Millionaire) and presented it through the Fort Dramatic Company. However, Coutinho, who was not accustomed to mingling with professional tiatrists, encountered difficulties in securing a place on the Bhangwadi stage in Bombay alongside established performers. To overcome these obstacles, Coutinho established connections with Francis "Chicken" Carneiro, ultimately forming a new theatrical group known as The Goan Dramatic and Cultural Society. Within this group, he collaborated with colleagues such as Cajdon D'Souza, Rico Rod, and Vincent Sernedo. Coutinho's talent as a composer became known, as he composed songs that were performed by other artists.

Coutinho, feeling dissatisfied with his group's performance, sought the opportunity to participate in C. Alvares' tiatr Borvonso through a recommendation from his friend B. Paul, a band leader. Despite singing two songs in the tiatr, Coutinho failed to make an impact as a vocalist. Despite his efforts, Coutinho's aspirations as a singer did not materialize as expected. Nonetheless, he persisted in his pursuit and leveraged his association with the tiatro make-up artist Camilo to secure an opportunity to sing a song in Alfred Rose's tiatr production, Yench Tem Karann (This is the Reason). Although his singing performance failed to create an impact, it was Alfred Rose who recognized Coutinho's true potential and advised him to focus on his acting abilities instead. Coutinho possessed skills as an artiste. and the couple welcomed a daughter named Jennifer, who went on to become a Konkani singer.

As of 1995, Coutinho resided with his family in Marol, Bombay.

Television YearTitleRoleNotesRefEk KahaniLead role