Comedian Selvy
{{Short description|Indian comedian and singer (1974–2022)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2022}}
{{distinguish|Comedian Sally}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Comedian Selvy
| image = Comedian Selvy (cropped).jpg
| caption = Correia at Institute Menezes Braganza, 2013
| birth_name = Matheus Correia
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1974|2|14|df=y}}
| occupation = {{hlist| Comedian|actor|singer|playwright|director|producer}}
| birth_place = Velim, Goa, India
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2022|7|25|1974|2|14|df=y}}
| death_place = Goa Medical College, Bambolim, Goa, India
| burial_place = St. Francis Xavier Church cemetery, Velim, Goa, India
| awards = Yuva Srujan Puraskar
| spouse = Candolina Fernandes
| children = 2, including Jr. Selvy
| years_active = 1990s–2022
| notable_works = Welcome M1LL10NS
}}
Matheus Correia (14 February 1974 – 25 July 2022), known professionally as Comedian Selvy, was an Indian comedian, actor, playwright, singer, director, and producer known for his work in Konkani films and tiatr productions. Referred to as the "Comedy King of the Konkani stage" by The Navhind Times, he is regarded as one of the greatest Konkani comedians of his generation.{{#tag:ref|{{Cite web |title=Tiatr lovers will miss comedian Selvy |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Edit/Letters/Letters-to-the-editor-26-July-2022/192185 |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=oHeraldo}}{{Cite web |date=2022-07-26 |title=Comedian Selvy cause of death |url=https://vimbuzz.com/comedian-selvy-cause-of-death/ |access-date=2022-08-01 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Selvy, the comedy king of Konkani stage |website=The Navhind Times |date=26 July 2022 |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2022/07/26/goanews/selvy-the-comedy-king-of-konkani-stage/ |access-date=2022-09-18 |language=en-US}}}} He was noted mainly for his comedy performances and was deemed "Goa's most loved comedian".
Career
=''Tiatrs''=
File:Comedians from Goa -- Augustine, Janet and Selvy.jpg
File:Comedians from Goa -- Selvy, Janet, Augustine.jpg in 2015]]
Correia always had an immense love of, and keen interest in, the Konkani stage. He began acting at the age of 8 in his elder brother, Saude's tiatrs and village folk plays. Correia was also active in traditional Carnival folk plays (Konkani: Zomnivhele khell) before becoming a full-time professional tiatrist. He was first discovered by Tony Park who noted his skills in comedy and cast him for his non-stop tiatr. Correia had previously worked in the water resources department of the Goa Government before getting his big break at age 24 in 1998 as a professional comedian in John D'Silva's tiatr Vatt (Way).{{Cite news|last=Mergulhao|first=Marcus|date=26 July 2022 |title=Comedian Selvy, who left audiences in splits for years, now leaves Goa in tears |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/selvy-who-left-audiences-in-splits-for-years-now-leaves-goa-in-tears/articleshow/93121260.cms |access-date=26 July 2022 |newspaper=The Times of India |language=en}}
File:Comedian Selvy performing at Strike Tiatr.jpg
During his career span of more than two decades as a Konkani comedian, Correia has acted in more than 60 tiatrs and was cast by prominent Konkani directors such as John D'Silva (14–15 tiatrs), Agostinho Themudo{{Cite web |date=24 October 2015 |first=Gary |last=Azavedo |title=Comedian Agostinho set to strike with his latest offering |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/comedian-agostinho-set-to-strike-with-his-latest-offering/articleshow/49511464.cms |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Tiatr Reviews |website=The Navhind Times |date=October 2014 |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2014/10/01/magazines/buzz/tiatr-reviews/ |access-date=2022-09-18 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Tiatr Review - J P Pereira |website=The Navhind Times |date=14 July 2015 |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2015/07/14/magazines/buzz/tiatr-review-j-p-pereira-8/ |access-date=2022-09-18 |language=en-US}} (23 tiatrs) from 2007 to 2019, beginning from the tiatr Sir to signing off in Pai (Father){{Cite web |title=The consequences of extramarital affairs |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/The-consequences-of-extramarital-affairs/191520 |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=oHeraldo}}{{Cite web |title=Tiatr Reviews – J P Pereira |website=The Navhind Times |date=15 December 2015 |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2015/12/15/magazines/buzz/tiatr-reviews-j-p-pereira/ |access-date=2022-09-18 |language=en-US}} and Roseferns (20 tiatrs){{Cite web |title=Tiatr Reviews JP Pereira |website=The Navhind Times |date=10 May 2016 |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2016/05/10/magazines/buzz/tiatr-reviews-jp-pereira/ |access-date=2022-09-18 |language=en-US}} in the late 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. He was also cast by other notable Goan tiatr directors like Mario Menezes,{{Cite web |title='Sorry' to convey the importance of forgiveness |website=The Navhind Times |date=24 July 2016 |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2016/07/24/magazines/buzz/sorry-to-convey-the-importance-of-forgiveness/ |access-date=2022-09-18 |language=en-US}} Comedian Sally,{{Cite web |title='Rinnkari' |website=The Navhind Times |date=11 November 2011 |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2011/11/11/magazines/buzz/iwatch-rinnkari/ |access-date=2022-09-18 |language=en-US}} C. D'Silva, Pascoal Rodrigues and Milagres de Chandor. Joyel Fernandes, known professionally as Comedian Joyel, an emerging Konkani comedian from Maina-Curtorim also recalls that Correia was his inspiration{{Cite web |title=A man with great timing |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/A-man-with-great-timing/174041 |access-date=2022-08-31 |website=oHeraldo}} to take up the comedy genre.{{Cite web |title=KGTS mega musical show "tiatristponn devachem dennem" - visiting artistes share limelight with local goan talent |url=http://www.indiansinkuwait.com/news/KGTS-mega-musical-show-tiatristponn-devachem-dennem-visiting-artistes-share-limelight-with-local-goan-talent- |access-date=2022-08-09 |website=www.indiansinkuwait.com}}{{Cite web |title=Kuwait: Comedian Agostinho & Troupe Accorded Grand Welcome |url=https://daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=42537 |access-date=2022-08-09 |website=daijiworld.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Goan Tiatr Corruption Kabar in Kuwait |url=https://retributor25.rssing.com/chan-13620356/all_p1.html |access-date=2022-08-09 |website=retributor25.rssing.com}}{{Cite web |title=Eka Meka Pasot |website=The Navhind Times |date=9 May 2017 |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2017/05/09/magazines/buzz/eka-meka-pasot/ |access-date=2022-09-18 |language=en-US}}
= VCDs and CDs =
Correia was also featured in more than 200 VCDs. He produced 5 of them namely, Bekar Louddi, Second Hand, Garbage and Wrong Number. He was also known for his singing skills,{{Cite web |title='Gospel Om Allah' |website=The Navhind Times |date=28 December 2011 |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2011/12/28/magazines/buzz/iwatch-gospel-om-allah/ |access-date=2022-09-18 |language=en-US}} and has sung in about 25 CDs. After attaining much success in his tiatr career, Correia went on a global tour with his troupe in places like United Kingdom, Paris, The Middle East{{Cite web |title=Kuwait: 'My First Love' drama staged to packed audience |url=https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=625382 |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=www.daijiworld.com |language=en}} to perform for his audience.{{Cite web |title=Kor Kantar Taleigao: Mega musical treat |website=The Navhind Times |date=6 November 2015 |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2015/11/06/magazines/kuriocity/kor-kantar-taleigao-mega-musical-treat/ |access-date=2022-09-18 |language=en-US}}
= Directoral debut and films =
Correia eventually started writing, producing and directing his own tiatrs. Raza Jeita Kombo Choita and 8 Dis (8 Days){{Cite web |title=8 Dis |website=The Navhind Times |date=24 May 2022 |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2022/05/24/magazines/buzz/8-dis/ |access-date=2022-09-18 |language=en-US}} remain his only and most popular productions till date, which resulted in a tremendous positive response from the Goan diaspora in the United Kingdom. The latter also crossed the silver jubilee mark prior to his death and was on the way towards the golden jubilee with a scheduled show in London in late July.
Correia was also known for his role of Mad Man in the 2018 Konkani film, Welcome M1LL10NS. He was also seen acting in his last Konkani film, Rong (Colour) directed by Aggi Rod and produced by Joywin Fernandes, which was posthumously released on YouTube on 24 August 2022.{{Cite web |title=Konkani film industry fighting against all odds |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/Konkani-film-industry-fighting-against-all-odds/192952 |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=oHeraldo}}
Personal life
File:Jr Selvy (Myron Correia).jpg
Matheus Correia was born to Goan Catholic parents, Jose Correia and Joana Batistina Fernandes, on 14 February 1974 in Velim, hailing from Fursabhatt.{{Cite news |date=2022-07-26 |title=Comedian Selvy will make Goans laugh no more |newspaper=O Heraldo |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/Comedian-Selvy-will-make-Goans-laugh-no-more/192177 |access-date=2022-07-27}} He was a practising Roman Catholic and was married to Candolina Fernandes, with whom he had two sons, Myron (Jr. Selvy) and Ryan.{{Cite web |first=Alfie |last=Dsouza |date=2022-07-26 |title=Laughter turned to Tears! Goan Comedian SELVY (48) of Konkani Tiatr No More |url=https://www.mangalorean.com/laughter-turned-to-tears-goan-comedian-selvy-48-of-konkani-tiatr-no-more/ |access-date=2022-09-03 |website=Mangalorean.com |language=en-US |archive-date=28 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228115142/https://www.mangalorean.com/laughter-turned-to-tears-goan-comedian-selvy-48-of-konkani-tiatr-no-more/ |url-status=dead }}
Awards
File:Comedian Selvy at Yuva Srujan Puraskar Award (2013).jpg
Correia was honoured by the Gulab Award in 2007{{Cite web |title=Comedian Selvy Auchit Tiatr-mogiank Roddoun Geloch! |url=https://www.nizgoenkar.com/newsDetails.php?id=3549 |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=www.nizgoenkar.com}} and Dr. Jack de Sequeira Memorial Award for his contributions towards the Konkani stage. He was also a recipient of the Yuva Srujan Puraskar award{{Cite web |title=Recipients of Yuva Srujan Awards |url=http://www.artandculture.goa.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/40_doc_Recipients-of-Yuva-Srujan-Puraskar.pdf}} from the Arts and Culture Department of the Goa Government for the year 2011–2012.{{Cite news |date=23 January 2013 |title=23rd Jan 2013 - Yuva Srujan Puraskar to be awarded |work=Herald Goa |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Other-Voices/23rd-jan-2013/46602 |access-date=15 August 2022}}
Death
Correia had complained to his troupe about uneasiness and toothache while performing in his tiatr, 8 Dis (8 days). On 15 July 2022, he visited the South Goa District Hospital in Margao for a checkup during which he was informed by the examining specialist that his diabetes and haemoglobin levels were showing negative signs.{{Cite web |title=Comedian Selvy recovering at GMC |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Comedian-Selvy-recovering-at-GMC/191767 |access-date=2022-09-03 |website=oHeraldo}} He was moved swiftly to Goa Medical College and was admitted on 16 July 2022. Selvy's elder son, Myron Correia, informed the media that his father's diabetes was under control but the blood platelet count was still low.{{Cite web |last=Pires |first=Mario |title=Tribute to Goa's comedian Selvy |url=https://www.gomantaktimes.com/my-goa/art-culture/tribute-to-goas-comedian-selvy |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=Gomantak Times |date=26 July 2022 |language=en}} He later was shifted to the intensive care unit of the hospital, wherein he received many telephone calls from his loved ones. Several Goans also offered to donate blood to save his life after many blood donation requests were made.{{Cite web |title=Tiatrists, politicians call on ailing Selvy |url=https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/tiatrists-politicians-call-on-ailing-selvy/86596.html |access-date=2022-08-09 |website=The Goan EveryDay |language=en}} However on 25 July 2022, Selvy unexpectedly died at the age of 48.{{Cite news |title=What Was Selvy Cause Of Death? Comedian Matheus Correia Died, Obituary & Funeral Updates |work=Dekhnews |url=https://www.dekhnews.com/selvy-cause-of-death/}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{Cite web |title=The dead tell no tales |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Edit/UPFRONT/The-dead-tell-no-tales/192660 |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=oHeraldo}}
= Reactions =
The Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant and several other political leaders gave their condolences to the bereaved family.{{Cite web |title=Comedian Selvy, the smiling face of tiatr, no more |url=https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/comedian-selvy-the-smiling-face-of-tiatr-no-more/86955.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=The Goan EveryDay |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Comedian Selvy passes away |website=The Navhind Times |date=26 July 2022 |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2022/07/26/goanews/comedian-selvy-passes-away/ |access-date=2022-09-18 |language=en-US}}
= Funeral =
Correia's funeral was held on 27 July 2022 at St. Francis Xavier Church, Velim.{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-07-28 |title=Funeral Service of Matheus Correia (Comedian Selvy) 27th July, 3.30 pm SFX Church Velim, Goa, India |url=https://comedycanon.com/funeral-service-of-matheus-correia-comedian-selvy-27th-july-3-30-pm-sfx-church-velim-goa-india/ |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Avada Music |language=en-US}} It was attended by tens of thousands of Goans, including his family, friends, tiatr fraternity and political leaders.{{Cite web |title=Thousands bid Comedian Selvy a tearful adieu |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Thousands-bid-Comedian-Selvy-a-tearful-adieu/192296 |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=oHeraldo}} He was later laid to rest at St. Francis Xavier Church cemetery, Velim.{{Cite web |title=Comedian Selvy will be laid to rest on Wednesday |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/News-Today/Comedian-Selvy-will-be-laid-to-rest-on-Wednesday/192222 |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=oHeraldo}}
Legacy
On 31 July 2022, Correia's tiatr 8 Dis (8 Days) was staged posthumously in response to public demand and as a fulfillment to his last wish. Myron, Correia's elder son, also mentioned that prior to his father's death, he wanted the doctors to discharge him so that he could perform in the show. Hundreds of tiatr lovers were seen paying their respects at Ravindra Bhavan in Margao, and a one-minute silence was observed to honor Correia.{{Cite web |title=Fans pay tributes to Com Selvy at '8 Dis' in Margao |url=https://www.thegoan.net/goa-news/fans-pay-tributes-to-com-selvy-at-%E2%80%988-dis%E2%80%99-in-margao/87214.html |access-date=2022-08-01 |website=The Goan EveryDay |language=en}}{{Cite web |title='8 Dis' staged in memory of late Selvy |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Cafe/%E2%80%988-Dis%E2%80%99-staged-in-memory-of-late-Selvy/192507 |access-date=2022-08-10 |website=oHeraldo}}
Selected stage works
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Ref |
|---|
| | Amchem Chintop Tumchem Xixop
| Comedian | |
| | Amontronn
| Comedian | |
| | Aslelim Dukhi Naslelim Sukhi
| Comedian | |
| | Avessor
| Comedian | |
| | Bott
| Comedian | |
| | Bovall
| Comedian | |
| | Budhvontank Fatranchem Xit
| Comedian | |
| | Daddy
| Comedian | |
| | Dessak Luttinaka
| Comedian | |
| | Dev Boro Dis Dium
| Comedian | |
| | Devak Zai Zalear
| Comedian | |
| | Dhull
| Comedian | |
| | Ekvott
| Comedian | |
| | Fight For Right
| Comedian | |
| | Il’Lixi Chuk
| Comedian | |
| | Jem Devan Goddlam
| Comedian | |
| | Jezu Amkam Ilaz
| Comedian | |
| | Jezuchem Povitr Rogot
| Comedian | |
| | Jinn
| Comedian | |
| | Kaideachem Vo Faideachem
| Comedian | |
| | Kazari Put Konnacho? Maicho Vo Bailecho?
| Comedian | |
| | Kirnnam
| Comedian | |
| | Konn?
| Comedian | |
| | Magnnem
| Comedian | |
| | Match Fixing
| Comedian | |
| | Menn
| Comedian | |
| | Meulelem Naka Sandlelem Zai
| Comedian | |
| | Mhaka Sangat
| Comedian | |
| | Mhoji Sun Mhoji Dhuv
| Comedian | |
| | Mhozo Suskar Tum!
| Comedian | |
| | Monisponn Vo Devosponn
| Comedian | |
| | Mummy
| Comedian | |
| | Nhoim Mogache Pun Rogtache
| Comedian | |
| | Osleo Sunnom Gharant Ietoch
| Comedian | |
| | Pai
| Comedian | |
| | Pavsa Pavsa Yo Re Yo
| Comedian | |
| | Peleachea Vostunchu Axea Korum Noie
| Comedian | |
| | Police
| Comedian | |
| | Porddo
| Comedian | |
| | Purtugez Goenkar
| Comedian | |
| | Que Sera Sera – Zaunchem Zatelem
| Comedian | |
| 2019
| Raza Jieta Kombo Choita | Director & comedian |
| |Rogot
| Comedian | |
| 2007
| Sir | Comedian | |
| | Sokallim
| Comedian | |
| | Somzonni
| Comedian | |
| | Sorry
| Comedian | |
| | Sot’tor Pautti Saat
| Comedian | |
| | Sounsarant Borem Naum Dovor
| Comedian | |
| | Sukhnneachem Ghor Ghontter Nhoi
| Comedian | |
| | Suknnim
| Comedian | |
| 2016
| Strike | Comedian | |
| | Tem Tuka Naka
| Comedian | |
| | Tempa Pormonnem
| Comedian | |
| | Udok
| Comedian | |
| | Ugddas
| Comedian | |
| | Umannem
| Comedian | |
| | Undir Mhojea Mama
| Comedian | |
| | Undir Mogan Podlo
| Comedian | |
| | Vaitt
| Comedian | |
| | Vann
| Comedian | |
| 1998
| Vatt | Comedian | |
| | Voir Marlolo Fator
| Comedian | |
| | Xezarim Mornnak, Soirim Jevnnak
| Comedian | |
| | Xik Aikpak, Aik Xikpak
| Comedian | |
| | Zero
| Comedian | |
| 2022
| 8 Dis | Writer, director & comedian |
Select filmography
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Ref |
|---|
| 2018
|Mad man | |
| 2022
| Rong | Comedian | |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Imdb name}}
{{Subject bar
|commons = Yes
|portal1 = India
|d-search = Q114592454
|portal2 = Theatre
|portal3 = Comedy
|portal4 = Biography
}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Selvy, Comedian}}
Category:Indian male comedians
Category:Dramatists and playwrights from Goa
Category:People from South Goa district
Category:Film directors from Goa