Remembering the Melody Queen: Antonette Mendes’ Legacy in Konkani Cinema

The entertainment industry mourns the loss of Antonette Mendes, the revered actress and singer, who passed away in Mumbai at the age of 80. Born in Goa Velha and raised in Mumbai, Mendes made her debut on the tiatr stage at the tender age of 14 in her father A K D’Souza’s production ‘Hanv To Tarvotti’.

Throughout her illustrious career, Antonette Mendes graced the stages in works by renowned directors like J P Souzalin, Kid Boxer, Alfred Rose, and many others, leaving an indelible mark with her melodious voice and captivating performances in films such as ‘Nirmon’, ‘Amchem Noxib’, and ‘Sukhachem Sopon’.

Despite her captivating presence on stage and screen, Mendes also wrote and directed her own tiatrs, including ‘Abghat’, ‘Tum Saiba Konn’, and ‘Khoinchem Mhojem Ghor’. Her artistic prowess extended beyond acting, showcasing her multifaceted talents in the world of Konkani entertainment.

After her marriage to the late tiatrist Romeo Mendes in 1966, Antonette released 17 audio cassettes, solidifying her place as the ‘Melody Queen’ of Konkani music. Her legacy lives on through her three daughters – Judy, June, and Lara – and her son-in-law, the noted tiatr director Jose Rod.