Debadrito Dutta at 18:22, 14 March 2026

2026-03-14T18:22:43Z

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{{short description|Indian actress and singer (born 1946)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Jessie Dias
| image = Jessie Dias at Tiatr Day, 2017 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Dias at the [[Kala Academy]], 2017
| birth_name = Maria Conceicao Cardozo
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1946|5|30|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Bombay]], [[Bombay Presidency]], [[British India]] (now Mumbai, [[Maharashtra]], India)
| occupation = {{hlist|Actress|singer}}
| years_active = 1955–1956; 1963–present
| relatives = {{ubl|
* [[Cyriaco Dias]]
* [[Leena Fernandes]]}}
}}

'''Maria Conceicao Cardozo e Dias''' ([[née]] '''Cardozo'''; born 30 May 1946), known professionally as '''Jessie Dias''', is an Indian actress, and singer known for her work in [[Konkani cinema|Konkani films]], ''[[Tiatr#Khell tiatr|khell tiatr]]'', and ''[[tiatr]]'' productions.

==Early life==
Dias, originally named Maria Conceicao Cardozo, was born on 30 May 1946, at [[JJ Hospital]] in [[Bombay]] which was part of the [[Bombay Presidency]] during the time of [[British India]]. Her parents, Jose Manuel Cardozo and Robertina Patrocina, raised her alongside two brothers, Bernard and Lucas. Lucas gained recognition as a [[Konkani language|Konkani]] playwright. Dias pursued her education at St. Stephen High School in Mumbai, where she cultivated her passion for the performing arts. ''[[Tiatr]]'', a form of [[musical theater]], held a special place in her family's heart, particularly her mother's.
Dias's connection to the ''tiatr'' community deepened through her brother Bernard's friendship with Konkani comedian Anthony Mendes. Through this association, Dias forged meaningful relationships with other ''[[tiatrist]]s''. Furthermore, Bernard often assisted them in stage arrangements and prompting, lending his support to their performances.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=de Sa |first=Victor |date=3 April 2012 |title=TAG: Meet the Artiste - Jessie Dias |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210194355/https://tiatracademyofgoa.com/ |archive-url=https://goanet.goanet.narkive.com/fDUpwaKa/tag-meet-the-artiste-jessie-dias |archive-date=3 April 2012 |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=[[Tiatr Academy of Goa]]}}</ref>

==Career==
Dias embarked on her journey in the [[Tiatr|Konkani stage]] during her childhood, making her debut as a young artist in her brother Lucas Cardozo's ''[[tiatr]]'' production titled ''Eksuro'' (Alone). It was during this time that she caught the attention of Francisco de Parra, a seasoned playwright and [[lyricist]] who recognized her potential. At the age of ten, Dias was introduced by de Parra in his ''tiatr Lagmodi Sun'', marking the beginning of her acting career. The turning point in Dias's life arrived in 1963 when she was given the opportunity to substitute for a female artist from [[Bombay]] in two dramas, ''Dotor Advogad'' (Doctor Advocate) and ''Director Saib'', written by [[Alfred Rose (singer)|Alfred Rose]]. These productions were on tour in [[Goa]] at the time. Dias's talent in both acting and singing came to the forefront during these performances, impressing not only the [[Goan]] audiences but also garnering recognition from esteemed senior artists.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Mai makes a comeback |url=https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/mai-makes-a-comeback/2981.html |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=The Goan EveryDay |language=en |archive-date=2024-01-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114080542/https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/mai-makes-a-comeback/2981.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Following this breakthrough, Dias's career gained momentum, as she quickly became a sought-after artist by directors such as [[M. Boyer]], [[C. Alvares]], Remmie Colaco, Jacint Vaz, and Robin Vaz. She specialized in portraying [[Tragic character|tragic roles]] and excelled in singing [[duet]]s, particularly alongside C. Alvares. Dias's vocal prowess extended beyond live performances, as she recorded songs for [[Gramophone Company India]] and [[All India Radio]]. She also contributed her talents to various [[audio cassette]]s and embarked on ''tiatr'' tours to several [[Gulf countries]]. As of 2000, Dias continues to actively participate in the Konkani stage, frequently appearing in ''tiatrs'' and non-stop-shows.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K-1PAQAAIAAJ |title=100 Years of Konkani Tiatro |date=2000 |publisher=Government of Goa, Directorate of Art & Culture |pages=185 |language=en |access-date=2024-01-14 |archive-date=2024-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107200151/https://books.google.com/books?id=K-1PAQAAIAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Dias has enjoyed a prolific career in the Konkani theater spanning over five decades, collaborating with more than 90 directors. She has made significant contributions to productions such as [[Prem Kumar (Konkani actor)|Prem Kumar]]'s ''Kakut Naslolo'' (Merciless), ''Konnank Mhunnom Maim'' (Whom do I call Mother?), and ''Mortikar'' (Killer), as well as [[Minguel Rod]]'s ''Bapul Bhav'' (Cousin Brother) and ''Ghorchem Kestanv'' (Family Feud), Rico Rod's ''Paichem Vhoddponn'' (Father's Pride) and ''Bailek Lagon'' (Because of Women), Denis Sequeira's ''Dogui Mhuje Put'' (My Two Sons), Alfred Rose's ''Munis ou Denvchar'' (Human or Devil), Robin Vaz's ''Shantichem Login'' (Shanti's wedding), and C Alvares's ''Bhattkar de Goa'' (Landlord of Goa) and ''Mhuji Vonnim'' (Through Me). Her participation in ''[[Tiatr#Khell tiatr|khell tiatr]]'' productions, including A.M. Pacheco's ''Fator'' (Stone), Ligorio Fernandes's ''Orombh ani Xevott'', and Anthony San's ''Darvontto'', has also been noteworthy. However, her most notable collaboration in this genre was with Rosario Rodrigues.<ref name=":0" />

Dias has garnered recognition among ''[[tiatr]]'' enthusiasts for her [[duet]]s, not only on the [[Konkani language|Konkani]] stage but also in recordings, [[audio cassette]]s, and CDs. Throughout her extensive career, she has collaborated with artists such as [[Lawrence de Tiracol]], Francis de Parra, [[C. Alvares]], Bab Peter, Souza Ferrao, Robin Vaz, Greg, and Young Mendes. On stage, Dias has portrayed a wide range of roles, embodying characters as daughters, sisters, mothers, and grandmothers. Amongst these roles, her portrayal of a "Mother" stands out as her forte, showcasing her talent. This nurturing instinct extends beyond her performances, as Dias is known for her genuine care and affection towards her colleagues, regardless of their seniority. Writer Daniel F de Souza lauds her compassionate nature, emphasizing her support, both professionally and personally, as she readily extends a helping hand to those in need.<ref name=":0" />

==Select filmography==
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
!Ref
|-
|2007
|''Vadoll''
|Rosy
|
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-14 |title=Vadoll - Suspense Thriller Film By Valencio Vaz |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&si=vDKyXxpCmBqsIoOG&v=NaXwkEWSsQc&feature=youtu.be |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114155646/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&si=vDKyXxpCmBqsIoOG&v=NaXwkEWSsQc&feature=youtu.be |archive-date=2024-01-14 }}</ref>
|}

==Selected stage works==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
!Ref
|-
|1955
|''Eksuro''
|Child artiste
|Debut play
|rowspan="2"|<ref name=":1" />
|-
|1956
|''Lagmodi Sun''
|Actor
|Debut ''tiatr''
|-
|rowspan="3"|1963
|''Dotor Advogad''
|Actor
|Professional debut; [[understudy]]
|rowspan="2"|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|''Director Saib''
|Actor
|Understudy
|-
|''Munis ou Denvchar''
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=About – Rita Rose |url=https://ritarose.in/about/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-01-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114163953/https://ritarose.in/about/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":0" />
|-
|
|''Kakut Naslolo''
|
|
|rowspan="6"|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|
|''Konnank Mhunnom Maim''
|
|
|-
|
|''Mortikar''
|
|
|-
|
|''Bapul Bhau''
|
|
|-
|
|''Ghorchem Kestaum''
|
|
|-
|
|''Paichem Vhoddponn''
|
|
|-
|1978
|''Bailek Lagon''
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=A voice that is eternal |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Voice-Of-Tiatr/A-voice-that-is-eternal/114352 |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=oHeraldo |date=23 April 2017 |archive-date=2024-01-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107065533/https://www.heraldgoa.in/Voice-Of-Tiatr/A-voice-that-is-eternal/114352 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":0" />
|-
|
|''Dogui Mhuje Put''
|
|
|rowspan="4"|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|
|''Shantichem Login''
|
|
|-
|
|''Bhattkar de Goa''
|
|
|-
|
|''Mhuji Vonnim''
|
|
|-
|1981
|''Fator''
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-10-25 |title=A.M.Pacheco |url=https://tiatracademyofgoa.com/ |access-date=2024-01-14 |website=[[Tiatr Academy of Goa]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210194355/https://tiatracademyofgoa.com/ |archive-date=2011-02-10 }}</ref><ref name=":0" />
|-
|
|''Orombh ani Xevott''
|
|
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|1984
|''Darvontto''
|
|
|<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-08-30 |title=Meet Anthony San at TAG on August 31 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/meet-anthony-san-at-tag-on-august-31/articleshow/48727051.cms |access-date=2024-01-14 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=2024-01-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114180301/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/meet-anthony-san-at-tag-on-august-31/articleshow/48727051.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":0" />
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Imdb name|id=13374057}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dias, Jessie}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1946 births]]
[[Category:Tiatrists]]
[[Category:Konkani-language singers]]
[[Category:Singers from Mumbai]]
[[Category:Actresses from Mumbai]]

Jessie Dias - Revision history

Debadrito Dutta at 18:22, 14 March 2026