After first stepping on professional stage at Victoria Gardens (now Jijamata Udyan), Byculla when she was still in Holy Name School (Colaba), Rita Rose never looked back, regaling audiences over the next 60 years to date. Her maiden appearance in an Alfred Rose production was in his – Munis Ou Devchar and his Broadway styled – Non-Stop Konkani Show – over 50 years ago in 1963. They were paired again in her father’s – Gharachi Chavi on 14 June 1965 and rest is history. Rita Rose was memorable when she performed in Alfred’s Two Girls for Sale (Monsoon Beats) with Nelly, Bonny Remedious, Rosebuds Swing Band, Beat4 & Caveliers on 20th August 1967 at the prestigious Shanmukananda Hall, Mumbai.

Cupid’s Arrow Strikes
Born to Angela and Anthony Rosario Pais, her illustrious dad though from Salvador do Mundo, was cared for by his aunts in Saligao. Anthony Rozario Paes was veteran producer-director-writer of many tiatrs (dramas) and Alfred Rose was destined to meet his future wife at one of them – Sosnnikai. Rita describes the first meeting when she says – Alfred was a star, who had his trademark Panama/English hat and magic wand/stick! During the interval, I accidentally sat on a chair, not noticing Alfred’s hat and smashed it. My mother knowing that it was costly and close to Alfred’s heart apologized on my behalf and offered to replace the hat. Surprisingly, Alfie calmly said “that does not matter” and that was the first of many clandestine meetings that followed until the couple said ” I Do ” to each other at Holy Name Cathedral on September 7, 1965. One was surprised to see even their wedding card in Roman script Konkani reflecting their love for the language. Her father celebrated the union by composing a special song, which Rita rendered on her wedding day. Rita was just into her teens at that time. Reminds one of Bollywood’s first superstar Rajesh Khanna and Dimple (Bobby) love story.

Professional Repertoire
Speaking of her husband’s encouraging support, Rita Rose in a Goa Today interview (February 2004) says – Alfred never dwarfed my achievements. I never felt we were competing with each other. I was a good critic of his compositions. He would value my criticism. He was a good listener. He liked suggestions. In some way, he wanted me to be perfect in my acting and singing. He would point out where I was going wrong and get me to correct my mistakes. As I said, he believed in perfection. She was heroine in Bogllant opposite Prem Kumar and also played a role in Salam’s Moji Ghorkarn

At the peak of her career she was called Sexy Voiced Beauty Queen of the Konkani Stage and mesmerized audiences as that. She gets the message across with performances that are catchy, naughty, positive, fun-loving, topical, mischievous, entertaining, educative, inspiring and promoting morals. Among the various character roles she has played include – Portia (Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice), historical (Cleopatra), Biblical (Eve & Mary Magdalene), St. Maria Goretti, English Girl (even her father could not recognise her), Japanese Geisha Girl, girl-friend, bride, wife, mother, vamp…. Eves Weekly (1971) reported critics saying – Rita Rose’s appearance on stage adds that extra zing to the performance.

Rita Rose conducted a weekly program on All India Radio (Mumbai) called – Amcho Adhikar – in the 1980s for two years non-stop. She also acted in the wellknown playwriter Adi Marzban’s – Mauj Maja and Avo Mare Sathe – while she was pregnant for her first son. She has worked with C Alvares, M Boyer, Prem Kumar, Robin Vaz, Rico Rod, Remmie Colaco, Kid Boxer, Anthony San, Rose de Candolim, Bab Peter, Menin de Bandar, Mendes Brothers, Aristides, Anthony Avers, Rodil, Zefferin, MJ Dlima, Thomas, Peter V Fernandes, Tittal Pretto, Christine Vaz, Francis Fernandes, Jacint Vaz and many more greats of the Konkani stage.

Honours & Recognitions
– Directorate of Art & Culture Goa State Cultural Award
– The CROSS International Award presented by Lata Mangeshkar
– Legends for Life Award by Toronto-Canada Fans Forum
– Tiatr (Theatre) Academy of Goa Award
– Konkani Sangeet & Natak Academy
– Coco Cola Great Goans Award
– Konkani Seva Kendra Award
– Cine Times Award
– Goa’s Kala Academy Award
– Dalgado Konknni Akademi
– Sophia College Alumni Appreciation
– Mankam Ami Goenchim – Konkani Bhas Ani Sanskrutai Vistarunk
– St. Pius X College Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Direction of Konkani Mandos
– Goan Review Art Foundation Certificate of Honour for Contributions to Konkani Music
– Quasiquicentennial (125 years) Jubilee Appeciation by St. Rita da Cascia Chapel, Carona, Aldona

On-stage abroad, she will be remembered for performances at
– Wembley (UK)
– St. George Hall (Germany)
– Al-Nasr Leisureland (Dubai)
– Harrow Leisure Centre (London)
– Mulitple theatres & halls in Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Muscat, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Beirut, Lebanon, Jerusalem Amphi Theatre, France, Germany, UK, Portugal, America, Canada, etc.

Charitable and social causes
Rita Rose says that for her – singing and acting was never about the money and what was received was not much considering that the audience came from humble backgrounds. The best award or reward I can receive is to know the love of lakhs of fans and thank God for blessing me with these talents. So for us tiatr (drama) or singing was more to raise funds at charity shows. We have performed free for various Goan associations, welfare trusts, recreation clubs, ambulances, churches, etc. Or to promote Goan art and culture through government programs, singing competitions, festivals, skits, plays andquizes. Her alma mater, Sophia College Institute of Social Communications Media presented her with a token of appreciation for support and guidance given to the students. Rita Rose is featured in ” Women in Mumbai’s Theater ” a post card released by the college on 10 January 2014.

Government Patronage
Thankfully after the neglect of legendary triar artistes being highlighted by the media, the Government of Goa has responded to move in, recognize and support them. Rita Rose as wife of Alfred Rose has been felicitated by the Governor, chief ministers, ministers and government institutions. But, Rita Rose as the ONLY GOAN WOMAN stalwart is yet to receive her rightful share of government honours. The Central & Maharashtra Government Ministry of Art & Culture needs to be sensitized about the need to recognize Konkani artistes, who have brough joy to millions through the last over 60 years. Many have gone before us, but let us treasure those who we have with us.