Talented Mormugao and Vasco native, Celeste Placy Pereira, got first noticed for her singing abilities, but then also shone in serious and comedy roles in tiatrs. She proved her mettle on stage to earn a place on the troupe of renowned tiatr director Prince Jacob. Thankful for the opportunity to be on such an august team of actors, Celeste is leaving no stone unturned to become the best.
Celeste made it to the big stage in 2019, when she participated in Herald Group’s ‘Goencho Avaz’ for aspiring and up-and-coming artistes and was a semifinalist in the singing contest. The very next year, at the Tiatr Academy of Goa’s annual Popular Tiatr Festival, she took home the best trio prize for Pascoal de Chicalim’s tiatr ‘Rochnna’. There was no looking back for her and in February 2023, she won second place for singing in the tiatr ‘Hanv Goencho Saiba’.
Sharing with us how it all started she says, “Actually, as per what my parents and neighbours say, I would love to sing the Church hymns, believe me, I was three to four years old at that time. The parishioners would smile to themselves when they heard me singing. My tiatr director, Sir Pascoal de Chicalim, who used to stay in the same parish, acknowledges the fact and has heard my early singing in the Church. He is happy that he gave a break to this toddler of yesteryears who has grown into a fine young woman and an accomplished singer and actress.”
Pascoal de Chicalim provided Celeste with an opportunity in his tiatr, transforming her into a fine artiste. Celeste testifies to the fact that he is known for introducing new talents – singers, actors, and musicians – helping them achieve success. Besides the tiatr stage Celeste has also sung for birthday parties, weddings, choirs, tiatrs, etc.
Celeste was inspired to act and sing due to the fact that she used to literally watch every tiatr performed in her parish and in Vasco town. She says, “The glamour and the achievement of the seasoned actors have had a heavy pull on me to take up this wonderful profession.”
For her, acting and singing are God’s gifts, she says, “I am among the privileged few blessed by the Almighty to carry forward this art.”
When it comes to acting and singing Celeste is fascinated by Roma and Antoneth de Maina. She says, “I really like their acting and the way they sing, both of them are my inspirations. Also, our great comedian Late Selvy whose comedy I love and for sure, no one can replace him on this Konkani stage.”
While tiatr maybe her passion, Celeste is also a teacher and beautician, which she juggles alongside, a singing and acting career. She initially began working as a beautician in a private firm after completing a year’s course in beauty care and cosmetics at Vasco, but discovered her calling to teach and is a teacher at ‘Blooming Dale’, Baina, Vasco.
She shares her mantra stating, “I juggle between these jobs by planning well in advance. I don’t rush into things lest I hurt anyone by not turning up for the events. But I keep myself free for tiatrs because that is where my heart and soul lie.”
Celeste considers her vibrant personality helpful in moulding the little children in class. She says, “They look at me in awe when I go to the class in the morning. They love to see me on their mobile screens at home and they think that I am a superstar. The advantage is that they respect me and never put me down to be in my good books.”
Working in a competitive world, Celeste excels in singing and acting, which she says it is due to her learning from her seniors and co-actors. She says, “I strive for humility and to be easily accessible, attracting recommendations for other directors.”
The best piece of advice Celeste has received is from her first director of commercial tiatr, Pascoal de Chicalim. She says, “He always used to tell me to be humble, disciplined and gutsy. He told me first to learn the tricks and the trade of this art, then mould myself in all departments and show it to the audience. Also, be happy with what you get and don’t demand for money. Finally, you will be noticed and then you can command the resources and respect. I have worked on this advice and here I am.”
Celeste respectfully states that her experience in choir singing has earned her fame. She said, “I love to be in the Church for the service of God. Singing in choirs made me a singer, taking part in school and college competitions have given me the boost, and singing in tiatrs made my dream come true and I am happy about that as I have made my career in tiatrs.”
Celeste’s mother Philomena Pereira and father Custodio Pereira and her sibling Carol Pereira have been supportive of her choice to sing and act in dramas. She says, “They have always stood by me and have given me a free hand to take my decisions. Today my parents feel proud that I have made it big in tiatrs.”
Celeste politely advises young actors and singers who want to join this theatre form to have patience. She says, “Learn the tricks and the trade of this art and rehearse your acting and singing as directors search for talent who knows their craft. Respect your seniors, and ask for any help if required.”
She is clearly aware that success doesn’t come easily, so she adds, “You can’t be master of everything quickly. Slow and steady wins the race. Approach helpful directors and keep your fingers crossed.”