Rajdeep Naik | |
|---|---|
 Naik at his film premiere, 2015 | |
| Born | Rajdeep Vasant Naik 30 March 1975 Volvoi, Goa, India |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1986–present |
| Known for | |
| Political party | Aam Aadmi Party (since 2021) |
| Spouse | Suchita Narvekar |
| Children | 1 |
| Awards | Yuva Srujan Puraskar |
| Website | facebook |
Rajdeep Vasant Naik (born 30 March 1975) is an Indian actor, theatre director, theatrical producer, and singer known for his work in Konkani films, tiatr productions, Konkani, and Marathi dramas.
Rajdeep Vasant Naik was born on 30 March 1975. [1] He hails from the village of Volvoi, Goa. [2] During his schooling, Naik engaged in one-act plays from the sixth grade onwards and participated in several competitions. This pursuit continued through high school and into college. [3] Naik's theatrical journey began at the age of 11 when he made his debut as a representative of KRS High School, Volvoi in a one-act play competition organized by Kala Academy, under the guidance of Shashikant Anvekar. He maintained an active involvement in both drama and folk dance competitions within Goa. Throughout his academic career, he received several awards and recognition for his abilities, both while attending school and as a student at the Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola. [4]
During his time as a university student, Naik held the position of president on the organizing committee for the inaugural student theater festival, 'Rangyatra'. In 1996, Naik completed a Bachelor of Arts degree. He later attempted to pursue a master's degree but had to leave the program after a year due to financial difficulties. Following this, he gained experience as a casual announcer for the Yuvavani programs at Akashwani, Panaji. He also helped organize the first all-Goa student theatre convention for Konkani drama, as well as performed on Akashwani. [3]
By December 2016, Naik received a Master of Arts in Konkani and was actively working towards a Master of Performing Arts at Shivaji University. [4] As of 2021, he has obtained two master's degrees. [5]
Naik is known for his early entry into the industry and subsequent contributions as a producer of tiatrs . His body of work includes several acclaimed dramas that have garnered him awards. Naik's works have been well-received by the residents of Goa, and he has partnered with the Department of Art & Culture, Goa to arrange the Natya Mahotsav, a cultural event. Naik has strived to both promote and safeguard Goan culture and heritage through his artistic pursuits and performances. In July 2021, Naik became the focus of media scrutiny for speaking out against the government's decision to provide a one-time financial aid of ₹10,000 (equivalent to ₹11,000orUS$140 in 2023) to artists, deeming it as a gesture that lacked respect for the artistic community. [5] He is also recognized as the chairman of Kala Chetna-Volvoi. [6]
Naik's involvement in the film industry includes his portrayal of a negative character in the Konkani film Home Sweet Home in 2014. Due to its significant public demand, the film was re-released in 2016 [7] and sought to bring attention to the problem of unauthorized land acquisition in Goa. [8] In 2015, Naik reprised his lead role in the sequel, Home Sweet Home 2 , which was widely released across Goa. The film sought to draw attention to the role of politicians in the deterioration of Goa. [9] Another film appearance for Naik was in the Konkani film 7 Dayz in 2016, directed by Joywin Fernandes. [10] This adventure drama, released two years later in 2018, examines the intersection of politics, crime, and corruption, showcasing their direct influence on the lives of individuals. [11]
In 2018, Naik assumed the role of Vasudev, a member of the Gaonkar family, [12] in the Konkani film Questão De Confusão. The film made its debut in Goa during the same year and delved into the intricacies of coexisting religions and their societal significance. The production faced significant financial challenges, necessitating innovative approaches to secure funding. One such method involved soliciting contributions from individuals prior to the film's release, with the promise of either screening the film in their respective villages or providing complimentary tickets, depending on the amount donated. The filmmakers initially underestimated the project's expenses, but as filming progressed, costs escalated, according to Naik. [13] The film was produced by Naik's spouse, Suchita, and he also made contributions by penning lyrics for three promotional songs associated with the film. [14] Naik invested effort in preparing for his role, particularly in comprehending the nuances of portraying a father figure to a young child, despite not having personal experience as a parent. To establish a convincing on-screen chemistry, Naik spent a week alongside a young actor who played his son in the film. However, Naik expressed no difficulty in assuming the role of a husband to Reshma, as their extensive 18-year collaboration in stage productions had fostered an understanding between them. Similarly, Naik had previously collaborated with Anil Pednekar, another actor in the film, which facilitated a seamless working dynamic. It is worth noting that Naik also contributed to the film's production team. [15]
In October 2021, Naik formally joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) during a ceremony held in Delhi, which was attended by Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi. [16] Naik's decision to join the AAP was driven by his genuine belief in the effectiveness of the Kejriwal model and his conviction that it presents the most viable alternative for the state of Goa. The AAP highlighted Naik's admiration for Kejriwal's initiatives, particularly in the areas of electricity provision and job security, which left an impression on Naik. Naik's choice to align with the AAP was motivated by the pressing issue of heightened unemployment and the adverse socioeconomic impact of the pandemic on the local population. Recognizing the AAP as the political party that had demonstrated the most concerted efforts to assist the people of Goa during the pandemic, Naik expressed his satisfaction in joining the AAP under the guidance of Arvind Kejriwal. He emphasized the party's commitment to supporting the welfare of Goenkars (residents of Goa) throughout the crisis. [5]
Naik is married to Suchita Narvekar, an entrepreneur and playwright. [17] The couple together, have a daughter, Bhumee. [18]
Tiatr is a type of musical theatre that is popular in the state of Goa on the west coast of India, as well as in Mumbai and among expatriate communities in the Middle East, United Kingdom, and other cities with a significant presence of Konkani speakers. The dramas are primarily performed in the Romi Konkani dialects and incorporate elements such as music, dance, and singing. Individuals who perform in tiatr are referred to as tiatrists.
Amori is a 2019 Konkani drama film based on water conservation and a nexus between politicians and builders. The film is directed by Dinesh P. Bhonsle, written by R M Vardhan, and produced by Opus Gala. Schubert Cotta has composed the music. It stars Salil Naik, Sobita Kudtarkar, Mayur Mayekar, Prashanti Talpankar, Tanmay Kharpe, and Shaina Mirashi. In 2019, the film bagged the Best Konkani Film award in the feature film category, at 66th National Film Awards.
Matheus Correia, known professionally as Comedian Selvy, was an Indian comedian, actor, playwright, singer, director, and producer who primarily worked on the Konkani stage and is regarded as one of the greatest Konkani comedians of his generation. He was noted mainly for his comedy performances and was deemed as Goa's most loved comedian.
Nevel Lourdes Sacramento Gracias was an Indian playwright, actor, singer, composer, director, editor, and diocesan priest who primarily worked on the Konkani stage and is best known for his lenten tiatrs. He was regarded as a one-man show and served in the general council of the Tiatr Academy of Goa.
Alegre Roque Teodoro Antao, known professionally as Star of Arossim, was an Indian singer, composer, dramatist, director, and actor who primarily worked on the Konkani stage. Regarded as a multifaceted artiste and one of the stalwarts of the Konkani stage. A skilled bongo and conga player, he is best known for being part of the Bomboikar Group for their biannual shows.
Josinho D'Souza, known professionally as Maestro Josinho, was an Indian saxophonist and playwright who worked on the Konkani stage. Described by The Navhind Times as a leading saxophonist in tiatrs, D'Souza is regarded as one of the stalwarts of the Konkani stage. Throughout his career spanning over five decades, his music has been featured in approximately 3000 tiatrs and 250 audio cassettes.
John Claro Fernandes, known professionally as John Claro, is an Indian writer, theatre director, playwright, and actor. Throughout his extensive career, he has made crucial contributions to the development and advancement of Goan tiatr. His noted research on the history of tiatr led to the discovery that the inaugural tiatr production, titled Italian Bhurgo, took place on 17 April 1892, at the New Alfred Theatre in Bombay, presently occupied by the Police Commissioner headquarters.
Ophelia Cabral e D'Souza, popularly known as Ophelia Cabral, was an Indian actress, singer, playwright, and director known for her work in Konkani films and tiatr productions. One of the multifaceted performers of her time, she is referred to as the "Tragedy Queen of the Konkani stage" and was known for her roles in Konkani films such as Amchem Noxib, Nirmon, Boglantt, Bhuierantlo Munis, and Faxi Mogachi.
Xec Amirodin, known professionally as Sheikh Amir, is an Indian impressionist, singer, actor, comedian, and theatre director known for his work in Konkani films and tiatr productions. Referred to as the "Mimicry King", he is known for his versatile performances, having mastered the styles of 40 politicians and tiatr singers.
Santana Filomena Ceirico Camilo "Cyriaco" Dias is an Indian actor, playwright, theatre director, singer, freedom fighter, and social worker known for his work in Konkani films and tiatr productions. Throughout his career, he has performed in over 1,000 dramas and has accumulated over 4,500 acting credits.
Francisco Xavier Paulino Dias dos Milagres Bringel, known professionally as Young Chico, was an Indian singer known for his work in Konkani films and tiatr productions.
Philomena Braz e Crasto was an Indian actress, and singer known for her work in Konkani films and tiatr productions from 1963 to the 2000s.
Carmo Piedade Rodrigues, known professionally as Carmo Rod, was an Indian singer, playwright, and theatre director known for his work in Konkani films and tiatr productions.
Bernardo Vitorino Fernandes, known professionally as Bernard de Aldona, was an Indian composer, singer, theatre actor, and playwright who worked on the Konkani stage.
Anil Chandrakant Devulkar, known professionally as Anil Kumar, was an Indian actor, producer, theatre director, and playwright known for his work in Hindi, Konkani films, television, khell tiatrs, and tiatr productions.
Marcus Fernandes, known professionally as Comedian Marcus, was an Indian comedian, playwright, director, actor, and singer known for his work in Konkani films and tiatr productions.
Antonio William Menezes, known professionally as William de Curtorim, was an Indian singer, composer, lyricist, playwright, and theatre director who worked on the Konkani stage.
Joaquim Conceicão "Jack" Souza Ferrão was an Indian actor, singer, playwright, and theatre director known for his work in Konkani films and tiatr productions.
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