For his unparalleled contribution of 6 decades to the field of Konkani Theatre, Shri Avitas Adolfus Cutinha (‘Dolla Mangaluru’), the eminent director, actor, theatre artiste and comedian; has been aptly chosen to receive the ‘Mandd Sobhann – Carval Gharanne’ Kalakar Puraskar. The Award consists of a cash amount of Rs. 25000/-, a Citation, a Memento and Public Honour. The Awards Ceremony will take place on Sunday, Nov. 04 2018, at 6.00 p.m., at Kalaangann, at the 203rd Monthly Theatre programme. Rev. Fr. Praveen Martis S. J., Principal, St. Aloysius College, will be the Chief Guest.

‘Dolla’, from a very young age was involved in theatre, writing, directing and acting in Konkani and Tulu plays. He was the architect of Konkani’s first comedy trio - ‘Dol-Fel-Chal’. Under the title of ‘Professor Saitan’, he has also presented magic shows. He has released 3 albums – ‘Dol-Fel-Chal’, ‘Fokanna-Fokanna-2000’ and ‘Hip Hip Hurray’. He has also published 3 books – ‘Hip-Hip-Hurray’, ‘Kuch Kuch Kuchilyo’ and ‘Has Has Haskulle’. He has also acted in Konkani and Kannada movies. He has directed many social and religious plays. He has performed all over India and in all the countries of the Middle East. He is the recipient of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Acadamy – ‘Kala Gaurav Prashasti’, ‘Konkani Kutam Prashsti’, ‘Karavall Konkani Kala Prashasti’ and many more.

‘Kalakar Puraskar’ was instituted, in the year 2005, by the Konkani linguist Rev. Dr Pratap Naik, S.J. in the name of his family (Carval Gharanne), to encourage Konkani performing & folk Artistes of Karnataka origin. The recipients of this award so far, are Arun Raj Rodrigues (Theatre), Joel Pereira (Music), Harry D’Souza (Brass Band), Rev.Charles Vas, Mumbai (Devotional Music), Anuradha Dhareshwar, Dharwad (Music), Sant Bhadragiri Achut Das, Bangalore (Harikatha), James Lopes, Honnavar (Brass Band), Norbert Gonsalves (Music), Francis Fernandis Cascia, Mumbai (Theatre), Roshan D’Souza (Music), Christopher D’Souza (Theatre), Avil D’Cruz (Dance), M. Gopala Gowda ( Folk-art).