The Konkani film industry saw its first movie shot in colour released in 1976-77, and was titled “Mog Ani Maipas” (love and affection). Written by renowned Mangalurean singer Wlify Rebimbus, it was produced by Capt. Merwyn Pinto and directed by N L R Sahyadri. It was an instant hit with the Konkani speakers in Mangalore and abroad.
The movie tells us the story of the love between a financially challenged girl and an affluent boy. Their love prevailed despite the objections of the boy’s mother but, it came at a cost. The movie’s cast included Oswald “Ozzie” Sequeira, John Pereira, Mick-Max, Diana Fernandes, Lynn Fernandes, Edward Quadros, Nalin Kumar, Dr. S J Monteiro and others.
It was Ozzie Sequeira who had the privilege of playing the male lead in this historic movie. Today, March 5, 2018, marks the 75th birthday of Ozzie Sequeira, a man who followed his passion and worked hard to establish himself in the ever challenging and changing world of movies.
Ozzie – the man
Ozzie was born in Nanthoor, Mangaluru in the year 1943 and was educated at the prestigious St. Aloysius Institutions till the Pre-University level, following which he pursued an electrical engineering degree. While in school, he was passionate about sports, singing and acting on stage. His love for acting led him to participate in various stage plays in his school as well as outside.
He later moved to Mumbai in pursuit of a living and found a position with a reputed company. It is when he was here that he was approached by Konkani drama producers and he took this opportunity to pursue his passion.
Given his talents, Ozzie was also encouraged by peers and friends alike to get into the field of commercial modelling and Hindi films. Taking a cue from this encouragement, he accepted offers to model for many products and one that stands out in his mind is a 15-minute commercial film in Hindi for the National Bank of Punjab.
When the acting and modelling jobs started drying up, he decided to put his professional degree to use and secured a job as an electrical engineer with a sugar factory in Kenya. He was compelled to leave the position after many years of service owing to the localization scheme adopted by the Kenyan government. In a way that was a blessing in disguise for Konkani lovers, for after returning to Mangaluru in the year 1976, he was approached by his childhood friend, Wilfy Rebimbus, who offered him the male lead role in “Mog Ani Maipas”.
After shooting for the film and after its release, Ozzie moved to Abu Dhabi, where he worked for 25 years, all the while pursuing his passion for acting. He participated in various Konkani dramas and cultural shows of which “Maldisav” was the most successful.
In the year 1996, Ozzie emigrated to Toronto, Canada with his family. Unfortunately, two years after working in Canada, he was diagnosed with multiple blocks in his heart, a week after which he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. As he had to undergo surgery and multiple radiation therapies, he was forced to retire. 20 years on however, Ozzie finds himself doing well health-wise.
Ozzie did not let his ailments trouble him or keep him from doing what he loved. He kept himself busy, writing Konkani skits, short storied for stage shows (during “Monthi Festh”), acting, directing, and grooming new talent for the Konkani cultural shows held in Canada. For his immense body of work and his efforts sustain the Konkani language and culture, Ozzie was honoured with the “Life Long Achievement Award” by the Konkani Community of Canada.
He even authored a book titled “The Alpha and Omega” which is based on the major religions of the world like Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam and others, and how they are all inter-connected. He hoped that the book would play a part in restoring harmony to the world. He researched for the book for five years and read all the Holy Scriptures in order to write the book, which was well received.
For now, Ozzie has taken a short break from his multifarious activities to focus on himself.
Ozzie’s family
Ozzie met Lydia Sequeira in Mumbai, where they acted in several dramas together before getting married in the year 1978. They still participate in all cultural activities together. She has been a great support and inspiration to him in his varied endeavours. Lydia presently works for The Toronto Transit Commission, a reputed organization.
Ozzie and Lydia have two sons, their elder one being Steve Sequeira who also works for The Toronto Transit Commission. He is married to a Canadian named Denise who works for the Royal Bank of Canada. Together they have two sons – Liam, who is 6 and Mason, who is 4 years old. They both attend school in Canada.
The younger son, Kevin Sequeira, is a registered nurse working for the world renowned “The Hospital for Sick Children” popularly known as “SickKids”, Toronto in the Cardiac ICU department. This year the hospital bestowed on him the prestigious “Daisy” award for his excellent work. He also travels to poor counties all over the world as a nurse on mission work.
Newskarnataka spoke to the veteran actor on the occasion of his 75th birthday.
Excerpts
The Konkani and Tulu movie industries are doing very well nowadays. How does it make you feel, having been a part of the industry and watching it grow?
It is heartening to know that the Konkani and Tulu film industry has picked up so well in recent years. They are producing excellent movies and are becoming very popular and are here to stay. There has been a wave of interest in the Konkani community to produce stage shows and movies in the Konkani language in recent years. I am very happy to experience this progress and wish them successes equal to the Indian Film industry.
What is your opinion about the stardom that the recent Konkani film actors have gained? In your days, what was the kind of attention that Konkani film actors received?
I am very happy for the actors. The recognition only encourages the actors to do better. Back in my day, the recognition and the fan following was great because it was the first Konkani colour movie produced in Mangaluru. The appreciation I received as an actor, followed me from Mangaluru to the Middle East and now to Canada as well. I am very grateful to my fans.
What advice would you like to give to the present day Konkani actors?
Commitment, discipline and respect for the fine arts will produce good results. Times of difficulty and disappointments must be overcome by persistence and self-confidence.
Newskarnataka wishes Ozzie Sequeira a very happy 75th Birthday and many many more in the service of Konkani and humanity.
