Hortencio Pereira
Hortencio Saluzinho Eduardo Vaz e Pereira is an Indian actor, lyricist, playwright, comedian, and singer who primarily works on the Konkani stage. 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 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. 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 and Bhas.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 in 2016 at the Kala Academy tiatr competition.