Hortencio Saluzinho Eduardo Vaz e Pereira (born 11 January 1953), is an Indian Konkani stage actor, lyricist, writer, actor, comedian, and singer.
Early life
He was born on 11 January 1953 at Curchorem to Custodio Jose Pereira, a Toddy Tapper from Chandor, Goa and Conceicao Vaz, a house-wife from Dabal, Goa. He went to Guardian Angel High School in Curchorem and pass his S.S.C in 1971. He graduated in BA (psychology) from The Parvatibai Chowgule College, Margao, Goa in the Year 1975. While in the family were not inclined towards Tiatr, his elder brother, Late Chrispino Pereira would sing and act in local village Tiatrs.
Career (1965–present)
Acting
Pereira portrayed in his first Tiatr "Sukh ani Dukh" in 1965 for the Chapel Feast at Pontemol, Curchorem when he was 12 years old. The Tiatr was written and directed by Shri. Jose Fernandes, one of the village directors at that time. He was later picked by Albert Colaco, a writer from Sanvorderm who scripted and presented his Tiatr "Nimnno Ekuch Pelo". His first commercial stint was in the Tiatr "Noxibantlim Khoddpam" by Jess Fernandes from Quepem in1968. He performed as a Lead Actor / Comedian for some of the topmost writers and directors of his times viz. Late. M. Boyer, Late. Remmie Colaco, Late. C. Alvares, Late. Prem Kumar, Late. Bab Petre, Late. Jacinto Vaz, Late. Airistedes Dias, Late. Alfred Rose, Late. Fr. Planton Faria, Late. Robin Vaz, John Claro, Mike Mehta, Joe Rose, Anil-Fatima, Wilmix-Sharon, C.D'Silva, Tony Dias, Anthony San, Mendes Brothers, Jr. Nelson, Rico Rod, Peter Roshan, Tausif de Navelim, Anil Olga, Late. William de Curtorim etc.
Besides this, Hortencio also has performed in the Non-Stop Dramas directed by Late. Rosario Rodrigues, Late. Rosario Dias, Patrick Dourado, John D'Silva, Menino De Bandar, Pascoal Rodrigues, Milagres De Chandor, Menino Mario, Jose Rod, C. D'Silva, Christopher-Meena etc.
Entry on stage as a comedian came about in Prem Kumar's Tiatr "Khotto Poiso" at first, which followed by C Alvares' Tiatr "Tuje Dolle" which later went to Gulf. In Tiatr "Tuje Dolle", the lead actor Remmie Colaco did not turn up. Hortencio landed up handling the lead and comedy roles simultaneously, showcasing two dialects who named Bardez and Salcette respectively. Along with Salcette and Bardez, he can also speak fluent Mangalorean Konkani and perform musical shows in Mangalore. he has also doled out performances in Hindi Orchestras.
Scripting and directing
Hortencio's first script was penned down at the age of 15 for Village Feast. At age Seventeen, he started scripting one act plays for the inter village one act play competition. He begged the Awards for Best Writer, Best Director and Best Actor for three consecutive years in the inter village one act play competition held from 1970 to 1972 for his play "Guireskai", "Onath" and "Tyag". Every year, during the Feast of St. Anthony, Hortencio would gather local Actors and stage his Tiatr. After staging each of the Tiatr at the chapel, they were presented in surrounding villages like Sanguem, Uguem, and Rivona which with the help of local youth. Some of his most notable Tiatrs are "Doulot" (1969), "Odruxt" (1970), "Onath" (1974) and "Bhas" (1980). He is known to write his scripts in "Devnagri" as well as "Roman".
An article was published by O Heraldo on 4 March 2019, He shared the story of why he gave up as a Writer & Director. As per Hortencio, when Tiatr "Bhas" was staged, one of the most noted Artist, Remmie Colaco was invited as a chief guest. After the show, Remmie Colaco encouraged Hortencio to stage the show all over Goa with assistance of Professional Cast. In the year 1985, Hortencio booked 7 shows all over go along with Professional Artists that included Remmie Colaco, Anthony San, Angela, Telles Moraes, Willie-Luiza, and Com. Joanna, but the most notable Artist was M.Boyer who is in his prime. when the first show was held in Margao, M.Boyer never turned up. Hortencio quickly hired a Pilot (Motorcyclist) and went to M.Boyers residence in Raia. His wife stated that he was ill, but Hortencio spotted him playing Carrom at Neighbors resident. After several pleading, he declined and Hortencio went back to the auditorium completely disappointed. Left with no other options, he explained the situation to the audience and requested to watch the show. If they unsatisfied, they could come back stage and take a refund. The show started and M.Boyers role was played by Hortencios elder brother. He shares in an interview that the audience returned home satisfied, among whom, was noted Artist, Late. Prem Kumar was equally happy with show.