Tiatr legend Prem Kumar passes away

Legendary tiatr writer-director-actor Prem Kumar expired in Mumbai Friday evening (Oct 12).

Prem Kumar who was is his 70s, suffered from diabetes and blood pressure problems.

He was known for his creative sets and innovations on stage. Ordhi Bakhri, a hit of yesteryears, was being re-released in Goa.

Born in Chandor, Peter D’Costa, who shot into prominence with his stellar performances, went on to acquire the name of Prem Kumar. He has around 50 dramas to his credit with hits like Upkar Naslolo, Vauravadi, besides a Konkani movie Boglantt where he played the main character.

He was recently honoured by Dalgado Academy for his contribution to the Konkani stage.
Noted actor Anil Kumar said that his death is a huge loss to the Konkani stage. “He has left a vacuum that will be hard to fill,” he disclosed.

President of Dalgado Konknni Akademy Tomazinho Cardozo while mourning the death of Prem Kumar said, “In almost 55 years of active association with the tiatr stage, he produced about 50 tiatrs that created a lasting impression in the minds of the audience. He was an actor and director par excellence.”

Another prominent Konkani stage artist Prince Jacob said, “We have lost a great pillar of the Konkani stage who did immense amount of service. He set a benchmark by introducing the revolving stage…one of his many innovations.”

Tiatrist Wilmix Wilson Mazarello while highlighting Prem Kumar’s contribution said that the latter was one of the leading playwright/directors who dedicated his entire life to the Konkani stage. “He is also one of the few Konkani tiatrists who produced a 35 mm celluloid Konkani film ‘Boglantt’ without Government assistance,” Mazarello said.