Rita Rose

Maria Rita Fernandes (née Pais; born 7 September 1947), known professionally as Rita Rose, is an Indian singer and actress known for her work in Konkani films and tiatr productions. A solo and duet singer, she first gained prominence during the mid-1960s performing in her husband Alfred Rose's tiatrs. She is also best known for her leading role in the Konkani film Boglantt (1975).

Early life


Fernandes was born as Maria Rita Pais on 7 September 1947 in Bombay, which was part of Bombay Presidency in the Dominion of India (now Mumbai, Maharashtra, India). She was born to a company employee, Antonio Rosario Pais, who hailed from Salvador do Mundo, and a homemaker, Maria Angelica de Souza, who hailed from Socorro, Goa, into a Goan Catholic family. Her father was also an artist, a Konkani playwright, and a theatre director who wrote two famous tiatrs, Sosnnikai and Gharachi Chavi (House Key).

Career
Fernandes embarked on her artistic journey in the world of tiatr productions through her involvement in Munis Ou Devchar (Human or Demon?), a theatrical production created by her husband, Alfred Rose. Initially, there was a shortage of performers, prompting Rose to request Fernandes' father for her participation. At the time, Fernandes was an unmarried school student. Consequently, Fernandes joined Jessie Dias and Rose himself as part of a trio performance. Throughout her career, Fernandes considered her most memorable role to be in M. Boyer's tiatr, Ekuch Rosto (Only One Way), which was specifically tailored to suit her talents. However, when Boyer sought to record the tiatr production, Fernandes was unable to participate due to her commitment to a show in London. Another actor assumed Fernandes' role in Ekuch Rosto during her absence. Boyer opted not to record the production, as he believed Fernandes, the original cast member, was the most fitting actor for the role.

One of the popular songs performed by Fernandes and her husband was "Bomboichi Birmoti." Additionally, Fernandes lent her vocal talents to various audio cassettes for artists such as H. Britton, Titta Pretto, and Hortencio Pereira. Following her marriage to Rose, Fernandes featured in all of his tiatr productions. However, prior to their union, she was unable to participate due to her commitment to schooling. During that time, actors like Jessie Dias and Antonette Mendes took on roles in her husband's productions. As of 2012, Fernandes had acted in several popular tiatrs, including Lakpoti Novro (Millionaire Boyfriend), Director Saib (Director Sir), and Ekuch Rosto (Only One Way). Alongside her acting career, Fernandes also showcased her singing abilities in tiatrs such as Angounnechi Vokol, Somestancho Kumpar, and Dharun Vhoddil.

Author Wilson Mazarello writes, "Fernandes has a very pleasant voice and can sing solos as well as duets with equal ease". Her vocal talents received recognition for their quality, enabling her to perform both solo and duet pieces. Collaborating with her husband, Alfred Rose, Fernandes gained international fame, particularly among the Goan diaspora. Her contributions to the world of Konkani theater, working alongside directors like M. Boyer, Prem Kumar, C. Alvares, and her husband Rose, have showcased her versatility as an actress. In addition to her theater performances, Fernandes achieved acclaim as the leading actress in the Konkani film Boglantt (1975), which resonated with the Goan community. Her talent has taken her on several tours, across the United Kingdom, Canada, the Middle East, and other locations. Fernandes has also established a presence in the realm of broadcast media. Since 1995, she has been a regular singer on All India Radio and Doordarshan. Recognizing her contributions to the cultural heritage of Goa, Fernandes granted permission to Isidore Dantas, the former Assistant General Manager of the State Bank of India, to write a book about her husband, Alfred Rose. Displaying her meticulous nature, Fernandes systematically documented her experiences, including handbills, photographs, and cassette tapes, which she donated to the Goa Central Library in Panjim. In the 2019 book Alfred Rose: The King of Melody by Dantas, Fernandes authored a section spanning four pages following an extensive period of over two years dedicated to research and compilation for the publication.

In May 2016, Fernandes and her son Englebert delivered a live tribute to Alfred Rose during the Goa Food and Music Festival organized by the Herald Group. The festival, held over three days at the Campal Parade Ground in Panjim, showcased a diverse range of performances by artists such as Anselm Fernandes, Frazier, Aleta Gonsalves, Pearl, True Blue, Media Waves, Divya Naik, Vito, A-Unit, and Ciloni Da Costa.

On 17 April 2017, Fernandes actively participated in a commemorative event held at the DMK auditorium in the Kala Academy, Panjim, celebrating the 125th anniversary of tiatr, a form of Konkani theater. Konkani tiatrists, including Antonette Mendes, Betty Naz, Titta Pretto, Joe Rose, Ben Evangelisto, Roseferns, Prince Jacob, Comedian Agostinho, Comedian Selvy, Comedian Domnic, Luis Bachchan, Mario Menezes, Alfy de Divar, and others, also contributed to the presentation.

On 15 August 2020, Fernandes, accompanied by her children Alria and Engelbert, captivated audiences with an online concert hosted by Rockin' Marmalade. The concert named Goan Global 2 was first showcased on their official Facebook page, marking a significant moment as Fernandes and her children reunited on stage after a decade. Their performance highlighted the songs of Alfred Rose. During the concert, Tatum D'Souza, the daughter of Bab Peter and Ophelia Cabral, also made an appearance and captivated the audience with performances of their well-known songs.

In August 2022, Fernandes received recognition for her and her husband's contributions to the realms of music and literature during a literary program. The event coincided with the release of the book The Rose Blooms, written by Glenis Mendonça, a lecturer at Carmel College, Nuvem. Fernandes, together with her daughter Alria and son Engelbert, entertained the audience with their performance. The program also commemorated the 90th birth anniversary of the Konkani singer Alfred Rose.

Personal life
Fernandes had an encounter with Alfred Rose, her future husband, during her involvement in her father's tiatr production titled Gharachi Chavi (House Key). A teenager Fernandes found herself sharing the stage with Rose, who played opposite her. During this time, she had the opportunity to handle Rose's wand and his Panama hat, an accessory he utilized during his singing performances. Amidst the preparations for their show, Fernandes unintentionally crumpled Rose's imported Panama hat from London when she sat on it, marking their initial introduction. This incident caused consternation for Fernandes's mother, who was deeply concerned about her daughter's behavior.

In an attempt to make amends, she offered to compensate Rose for the damaged hat. However, Rose responded with equanimity, smiling and accepting the situation without complaint. On the occasion of Fernandes's 18th birthday, she and Alfred Rose, who was 32 years old at the time, tied the knot on 7 September 1965, at the Holy Name Cathedral in Colaba, Bombay. The union resulted in the birth of three children: two sons named Schubert and Engelbert, and a daughter named Alria. All three children actively participate in the Konkani stage, carrying on their parents' artistic legacy.

Following her marriage, Fernandes acknowledges that her husband held a strong affection for the Konkani language and even took the initiative to teach it to their family members. However, Fernandes primarily conversed with her children in English to ensure their familiarity with both languages. In regards to Glenis Mendonça, the author of The Rose Blooms, Fernandes regards her as a "prolific writer". Collaboratively, Mendonça and Fernandes authored a book centered around the life and accomplishments of Alfred Rose. Fernandes further emphasizes that her husband did not receive recognition during his lifetime, emphasizing the importance of appreciating individuals while they are still alive. On 21 October 2003, Fernandes's husband died in Mahim, Mumbai at the age of 71. As of 2012, Fernandes and her family continue to reside in Mahim.

The lost suitcase incident
In 1987, a musical event took place at Shanmukhananda Hall in Sion, Bombay. The show featured popular English and Konkani bands, including Fernandes' band. Fernandes and her husband, Alfred Rose, had intended to attend the show with their car, carrying a suitcase containing their belongings. Meanwhile, their friends and younger son, Schubert, were en route to the venue in a taxi with another suitcase belonging to Fernandes. However, upon their arrival at the hall, they realized that they had inadvertently left the second suitcase in the taxi. Realizing the predicament, Rose instructed their photographer to take Fernandes back home in a taxi, where she could retrieve new clothes, wigs, and other necessary items. Fernandes promptly took the taxi and managed to make it to the venue. However, the lost suitcase contained only musical notes, specifically solfas, which were crucial for their performance. Without these notes, it would have been impossible for them to participate in the musical show.

Not wanting to disappoint the audience, Fernandes' husband made an announcement, explaining the situation to the crowd. Despite being already 30 minutes late, the audience remained patient and understanding. In the meantime, Rose contacted Babush, who had written all the songs as per Alfred's instructions. With Babush's assistance, they managed to salvage the show, and it turned out to be a success. Following the performance, Fernandes, her family, husband, and friends celebrated at their residence. To their surprise, the taxi driver arrived at their home with the lost suitcase. In gratitude for his honesty, Fernandes and her family wished to reward the driver with some money. However, the taxi driver declined their offer, displaying his integrity and refusing any form of compensation.