Lewis M. Ratus
Lewis M. Ratus | |
|---|---|
Bandra, Bombay , India (most likely) | |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Other names | Luis. M. Ratus |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1950–1963 |
| Known for | |
| Signature | |
 | |
Lewis M. Ratus (
Konkani actors, alongside Al Jerry Braganza, Leena Fernandes, and Alfred Almeida, who appeared in the inaugural Konkani film Mogacho Aunddo
(1950).
Career
Ratus was a relatively obscure individual about whom limited information is available in literary works. According to
musical theater), and stories. Ratus authored several tiatros, however, his works were often performed and claimed by various theater directors as their own, effectively functioning as a ghostwriter. The extent of Ratus' involvement in the Konkani film industry is that he made his debut on the silver screen in the movie Mogacho Aunddo (transl. Love's Craving) in 1950.[1] In this film, Ratus portrayed a supporting character alongside actors such as Irene Amaral, Elizabeth D'Abreo, Mary D'Souza, Jacob Fernandes, Joyce Fernandes, and Romeo Paul Pires.[2] Ratus also made contributions to the soundtrack of Mogacho Aunddo, lending his vocals to popular hits like "Mogacho Aundo" (Khorench to chodd khor Mogacho Aunddo, konnank zaina sor Mogacho Aunddo). Collaborating with Leena Fernandes, James Braganza, Irene Amaral, and Jacob Fernandes, Ratus showcased his musical abilities.[3] Writer Andrew Viegas, in an article for the publication Goa World, commended the performances delivered by Ratus and James Braganza in the film Mogacho Aunddo.[4]
Mogacho Aunddo is a cinematic adaptation based on the book Mogachi Vodd by
tiatrists of their era, as highlighted by Mazarello's writings and inclusion of Ratus among the only twelve Konkani tiatro writers in the publication 100 Years of Konkani Tiatro, released in 2000. Ratus attained recognition in Konkani literature with his screenplay for the film Amchem Noxib (transl. Our Luck) in 1963, which garnered multiple accolades.[1] The film was created by filmmaker Frank Fernand through his production company, Frank Films (Goa), and it featured actors C. Alvares and Anthony Mendes in leading roles.[5] Amchem Noxib marked the first Konkani film to receive several awards and was released thirteen years after the pioneering Konkani production, Mogacho Aunddo (1950).[2]
Personal life
Ratus is a figure of limited biographical information, with little available knowledge about his personal and early life. A source shedding some light on his background is the book 100 Years of Konkani Tiatro authored by writer and historian
telegram he sent to Lilian De Souza of Karachi on 21 March 1956, revealing his residence at 12, Chapel Road, Bandra in Bombay, Maharashtra.[6]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Mogacho Aunddo | Supporting role | Professional debut | [2] |
| 1963 | Amchem Noxib | Screenwriter | [1] |
References
- ^ a b c d Mazarello, Wilson (2000). 100 Years of Konkani Tiatro. Government of Goa, Directorate of Art & Culture. p. 265. Archived from the original on 2024-01-07. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
- ^ a b c d Antao, Steve (2015-12-08). "Lights! Camera! … 'Mogacho Aunddo' - the first Konkani film". ItsGoa. Archived from the original on 2022-08-10. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
- ^ "Mogacho Aunddo' (Love's Craving)". Goa World via International Film Festival of India, Goa. 2009-04-23. Archived from the original on 2009-04-21. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
- ^ Viegas, Andrew Greno (2009-08-02). "Konkani Cinema". Goa World. Archived from the original on 2009-08-26. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
- ^ "Frank Fernand – The Wizard of Konkani Films". oHeraldo. Archived from the original on 2024-03-14. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
- ^ Ratus, Lewis M. (21 March 1956). Ordinary Telegram via Stranuso Film Corporation, Bandra, Bombay
External links
- Lewis M. Ratus at IMDb