Parrikar gets the stick from tiatristsMarcus Mergulhao, TNN | Aug 4, 2013,
04.48 AM IST2comments1inShareShare MoreAA
PANAJI: Just like in his tiatr, Mariano Fernandesdid not name the offender, but
the message was loud and clear."Freedom of speech and expression is being
suppressed by top-level officials who have threatened to shut down my show,"
Mariano screamed in one advertisement for 'Apunn Apleak Dev Somestank', his
latest offering that ran to a packed house.In his tiatr, Mariano is critical of
the state government and its policies, and even though the central character is
only referred to as Minister-who holds the education portfolio and wears
short-sleeved shirts-the target, unless you are oblivious to what is happening
around, is clearlychief minister Manohar Parrikar.Parrikar gets lambasted all
through the tiatr; in most scenes and songs actually. He is called several
things, vanshel (bear), Hitler (needs no explanation) and a devil with two
large horns, amongst others. But the most cruel blow, as always, is delivered
by Francis de Tuem who drags a replica of a two-faced snake on stage, of course
with Parrikar's face plastered on it.Lawry Travasso, one of Goa's topmost
singers, also tears into Parrikar insisting, "We know just how much you love
the Catholics", while Francis de Tuem declares, "One year after becoming chief
minister, Goans know who you are."In the same song, Francis de Tuem, who has
made a name for himself by cutting politicians to size, makes a significant
point. "I was the only one who criticized you (in the past)," he sings, as the
crowd listens in rapt attention.The firebrand singer has a point. Last year,
most tiatrists were eating out of Parrikar's hand, singing praises and
ridiculing the then extremely corrupt government, championed by Digambar Kamat.
It's an unspoken truth but Parrikar, to a large extent, rode piggyback on the
tiatrists, especially in Catholic-dominated constituencies of South Goa.Now, as
Parrikar gets caught in a web of promises and the cry to save Dabolim only gets
louder, the honeymoon seems to be over."Parrikar has forgotten everything. We
will show him his place (now)," Junior Nelson sang in Constantino Crasto's hit
tiatr 'Amchem Chintop Tumchem Xinkop'.The crowd enjoys the Parrikar bashing and
most singers are called back at least twice on stage. If you are Francis de
Tuem and lambasting the chief minister, the whistles and applause simply grow
louder.The tiatrists-clearly incensed by Mopa, the recent meat ban, the Vasco
schoolgirl rape case, casinos, law and order issues-are making bold predictions
as well. Junior Nelson, an influential singer from Vasco, vowed to quit singing
if the BJP could bag the South Goa Parliamentary seat in next year's elections.
Lawry Travasso claimed the Congress were better and Tony de Ribandar felt it
would be difficult for Parrikar to complete his five-year term as chief
minister.Parrikar is not oblivious to the criticism from tiatrists. Last week,
he accepted an invitation to attend the Gulab Awards, amongst others, for
tiatrists, and left just before a political singer was to take the
stage.Parrikar may well have saved himself the embarrassment but there is still
no escaping. Hell hath no fury like a tiatrist scorned!
