Sheikh Amir
Amirodin at the Kala Academy, 2015
Born
Xec Amirodin

(1961-11-11) 11 November 1961
Pangim, Goa, Portuguese India, Portuguese Empire (now in India)
NationalityIndian
Other namesXec Amir
EducationMahatme High School, Panjim
Occupations
Years active1985–present
SpouseAnisa Xec
Children2
AwardsKala Academy's
(Best Actor, Singer, Comedian)
Websitefacebook.com/amir.sheikh.1422

Xec Amirodin (born 11 November 1961), known professionally as Sheikh Amir,[lower-alpha 1] 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",[1] he is known for his versatile performances, having mastered the styles of 40 politicians and tiatr singers.

Early life

Xec Amirodin was born on 11 November 1961, in Pangim, Goa, which was part of Portuguese India during the Portuguese Empire (now in India) into a Goan Muslim family. His father, Mamod Gaze, worked as a jornaleiro, while his mother, Banubi, was a homemaker from Penha de França, Goa.[2] Amirodin received his early education at Mahatme High School, Panjim.[3] Throughout his school years, he actively participated in various stage performances and showcased his acting skills on Marathi stages. However, his passion for the Konkani stage eventually drew him towards that particular form of theater.[4]

Career

Amirodin was previously associated with the singer John F, accompanying him to his performances. In the theatrical production titled Vatt Chukli (Forgotten Way), directed by Premanand Sangodkar, Amirodin, a young and inexperienced artist, was entrusted with the opportunity to showcase his singing prowess through a solo performance. Despite initial apprehension about performing alongside seasoned veterans, Amirodin took the stage and delivered a lighthearted song that resonated with the audience, leading to the song being applauded and receiving four encores.[4]

Amirodin during a performance at the tiatr Nit Onit at Candolim in 2013

Impressed by his performance, Sangodkar promptly secured Amirodin for the remaining shows of Vatt Chukli. Subsequently, Amirodin was cast by John Claro in the plays Vinglli Nachpinn (Naked Dancer) and Civil Kazar (Civil Marriage). However, it was Fr. Freddy J. da Costa who played a pivotal role in fostering Amirodin's acting career, providing guidance and encouragement. Collaborating with Jacinto Vaz, Amirodin formed a comedic partnership that delighted audiences in successful productions like Utt Goemkara (Wake-up Goan), Khata Pita Dev Dita (Eat, Drink for God Gives), and Goemcho Avaz (The Goan Voice)."[4]

Amirodin performing at a felicitation event held at Margao in 2014

The untimely death of Jacinto Vaz left Amirodin without a mentor and performance companion. Nonetheless, Amirodin persevered in his acting pursuits, participating in local shows and frequently joining forces with Tomazinho Cardozo whenever the writer-director took part in the Kala Academy Tiatr competition. Amirodin possesses a talent for imitating a diverse range of artists and politicians. Encouraged by Fr. Freddy, he began showcasing his mimicry skills on the Konkani stage, providing an additional source of amusement for the audience. Since 2008, Amirodin has garnered widespread acceptance from the Konkani drama spectators, who exhibit enthusiasm while witnessing his performances. His achievements include successful appearances in productions such as Anil-Olga's Chimtti Bor Samball and Hem Zhadd Dudvanchem, as well as the opportunity to act and mimic in dramas helmed by the director Mario Menezes.[4]

Amirodin performing in Francis de Tuem's tiatr Question Mark in 2016

Participating in productions like Ghorabeache Vantte (Division of Family) and the acclaimed tiatr Hi Maim Konnanchi has firmly established Amirodin as one of the leading entertainers in this domain. Additionally, he has made brief appearances in video films like Caetano Pereira's Ghat (Betrayal) and Socorro de Santa Cruz's Fashion. Amirodin expresses his appreciation for the tiatr platform, which has allowed him to explore cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Dubai, and Kuwait. Grateful for the guidance provided by John F in introducing him to the Konkani stage, the support and encouragement from Fr. Freddy, and the mentorship of Mario Menezes in instilling discipline and refining his performances, Amirodin acknowledges the contributions of various directors who have aided his journey.[4]

Personal life

Amirodin is based in Corlim, Goa, and has been recognized in the 2012 Directory of Tiatr Artistes.[5] He resides with his wife Anisa, who has been a source of support and guidance for him. As of 2008, his son Anif is studying for the 3rd grade violin examination. His daughter Ameera exhibits signs of emulating her father's artistic pursuits.[4]

In a June 2017 interview with O Heraldo, Amirodin shed light on his approach to embodying characters on stage. He stressed the significance of capturing the essence of the individuals he portrays through his vocal techniques and mannerisms. Amirodin asummed the role of prime minister of India Narendra Modi for his performance in the tiatr production ICU Bed No. 2.[6]

Amid discussions of his solo performances, Amirodin expressed reservations. regarding the readiness of Goan audiences for hour-long shows delivered solely in Konkani, the regional language. He articulated that his typical stage appearances involve playing a role for a duration of 15 to 20 minutes, followed by a change in costume to present a new comedic act. Amirodin emphasized the importance of maintaining versatility on stage, believing that performing a one-character show with a single costume would present challenges. Additionally, he expressed a fondness for singing, drawing inspiration from artists such as M. Boyer, Jacint Vaz, and H. Britton, yet acknowledged that this endeavor necessitates the accompaniment of a skilled keyboardist.[6]

Amirodin encourages aspiring newcomers to uphold professional integrity and contribute towards elevating the standards of Konkani theatre. Furthermore, he appeals to parents to nurture their children's talents and actively promote their engagement in the Konkani stage, emphasizing the importance of imparting musical education alongside.[4]

Awards

Amirodin being felicitated at the Institute Menezes Braganza, 2017

Apsvarthi was a one-act play written by Carlos Fernandes, known for its performances, particularly by Amirodin. Throughout his career, Amirodin has been recognized with numerous accolades, winning the Best Actor award 24 times. In addition to these achievements, he has also received Kala Academy awards in categories such as Best Actor, Best Singer, and Best Comedian. Amirodin's talent has been acknowledged and celebrated by organizations like 'KalaMogi', Candolim, as well as the 'Kala Mogi' in Kuwait, and he has been honored at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).[4]

Selected filmography

Video films

Year Title Role Notes Ref
Ghat Bit role [4]
2007 Fashion Bit role

Selected stage works

Year Title Role Notes Ref
1985 Vatt Chukli Singer Debut tiatr [7]
1980s–1990s Utt Goemkara Singer Debut as an impressionist
Vinglli Nachpinn [4]
Civil Kazar
Khata Pita Dev Dita
Goemcho Avaz
2002 Chimtti Bor Samball [8]
2005 Hem Zhadd Dudvanchem
2008 Ghorabeache Vantte Jacint uncle Also singer [9]
Hi Maim Konnanchi [10][4]
2012 Bai Juan Director [11]

Notes

  1. ↑ alternatively spelt as Xec Amir or Sheik Amir.

References

  1. ↑ "Taking a leap of joy". oHeraldo. Archived from the original on 2023-12-23. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
  2. ↑ de Abreu, João Manuel (17 January 1962). "Copia Do Registo De Nascimento". Goa Online. Archived from the original on 2023-10-30. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
  3. ↑ "Mahatme High School shuts shop". oHeraldo. Archived from the original on 2023-12-23. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Pereira, J. P. (28 July 2008). "In good humour - The King of Mimicry "Xec Amir (Sheikh Amir)"". The Navhind Times. Archived from the original on 28 July 2008. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
  5. ↑ Directory of Tiatr Artistes, 2012. Tiatr Academy of Goa. 2012. Archived from the original on 2023-08-27. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
  6. 1 2 "When'll we LOL in Konkani?". oHeraldo. Archived from the original on 2023-12-23. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
  7. ↑ "TIATR TIATRIST EP 4 SHEIKH AMIR". Prime Media. 2023-12-23. Archived from the original on 2023-12-23. Retrieved 2023-12-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  8. ↑ "KALA ACADEMY GOA 1st Tiatr 'A' Group Competition 1974–1975" (PDF). Kala Academy Goa. 1974–1975. Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 December 2023. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  9. ↑ "Dubai: Konkani Tiatr 'Ghorabeache Vantte' on Aug 14- daijiworld.com". www.daijiworld.com. Archived from the original on 2023-12-23. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
  10. ↑ Sequeira, Elvis (2011-03-27). "Celebrating 25 Great Goals on the Konkani Stage". O Heraldo. Archived from the original on 2023-02-28. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
  11. ↑ "2012-13: A curtain raiser". The Goan EveryDay. Archived from the original on 2023-12-23. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
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