Titta Pretto

Tito Matias Estefânio Preto (4 January 1933 – 9 June 2026), known professionally as Titta Pretto, was an Indian comedian, singer, composer and playwright known for his work in Konkani films and tiatr productions.

Early life During his formative years, Preto developed a deep appreciation for tiatrs, a traditional form of Goan musical theater. Among the tiatrists, he admired the Konkani tiatrist Minguel Rod for his singing prowess and skill in composing tiatrs. Inspired by his idol, Preto often imitated Minguel Rod's style, nurturing his ambition to become a tiatrist of similar stature. Gradually, Preto began crafting his own compositions, predominantly in the realm of comedic tiatrs.

Preto's contributions to the Konkani theater scene extended beyond his individual performances. He played a pivotal role in staging khell tiatrs, a traditional form of folk theater, in Bombay. Together with his troupe, he traversed various regions, showcasing their tiatrs in cities such as Belgaum, Sawantwadi, Calcutta, Poona, Bombay, Nashik, and Ahmedabad. Preto's artistic endeavors were not confined solely to the stage. He ventured into the realm of cinema, leaving a mark with his appearances in Konkani films like Amchem Noxib, Nirmonn, Boglantt, Kortubancho Sonvsar, and Girestkai. Furthermore, he made a foray into the Hindi film industry, featuring in the film Love in Goa in 1983. Additionally, Preto showcased his entrepreneurial spirit by producing three audio cassettes: Retired Tarvotti, Don't Worry Be Happy, and Goa Amcho Ganv. Moreover, he released a Konkani video CD titled Toxench Guneanvkari Konn?, which garnered attention in the market. Preto's contributions to the Konkani stage were duly recognized. Konkani playwright John Claro bestowed upon him the honorary title of the "Vasco da Gama of the Konkani stage." This accolade acknowledged Preto's extensive national presence and his ability to stage tiatrs in diverse locations throughout the country. Preto, during his leisure time, engaged in writing tiatrs, but he hesitated to share them with others. However, he eventually mustered the courage to stage his own tiatr, Disgrass, at Cama Hall, Bombay. To ensure the success of his production, Preto enlisted the participation of accomplished actors from Goa, including Minguel Rod, Kid-Young-Rod (Kid Boxer, Young Menezes and Minguel Rod), Diago Cardozo, and Andrew Fernandes. Minguel Rod was entrusted with the responsibility of directing the tiatr. Disgrass was performed at multiple venues, including Cama Hall, Warden Road, Kalyan Railway Hall, and Juhu Koliwada. The positive response to these shows encouraged Preto to pursue acting opportunities in tiatrs directed by others.

In 1952, Preto achieved a significant milestone in his career when he acted in his own written and Minguel Rod-directed tiatr, Disgrass, which was staged thirteen times.

Selected stage works