Antonette Mendes (born Maria Antonia D'Souza; 10 May 1944 – 7 April 2024) was an Indian singer, actress, playwright, and theatre director known for her work in Konkani films and tiatr productions.

[1] Mendes commenced her stage career as a vocalist at the age of 15, making her debut in her father's tiatr production titled Hanv To Tarvotti (It's me, the Seaman)[2] at the Princess Theatre in Bhangwadi.

[4] This early exposure led Mendes to partake in the tiatr Fuddar (Future), helmed by the Konkani playwright Kid Boxer, which was performed in Bombay and Goa.

This significant opportunity served as a turning point in D'Souza's career, subsequently affording her the prospect of embarking on a journey to East Africa, where she showcased her talents in three tiatrs: Kid Boxer's Bancruttam Bancrutt, as well as Fuddar (Future) and Alfred Rose's Dotor Advogad (Doctor Advocate).

She continued to expand her creative horizons by writing and directing her own tiatrs, including productions such as Obgath, Tum Saiba Konn, and Don Ghoram (Two Houses).

Her abilities paved the way for her participation in Chris Perry's seminal musical show in Bahrain in 1978, as well as her involvement in Rico Rod's tiatr Bailek Lagon in Kuwait.

Wilson Mazarello writes, "Mendes' performances drew numerous tiatr aficionados, who were enticed by the mellifluous quality of her voice and the heartfelt manner in which she delivered her renditions.

"[4] Over the course of her career, Mendes had the privilege of collaborating with directors, including J. P. Souzalin, Kid Boxer, Master Vaz, C. Alvares, Prem Kumar, Alfred Rose, M. Boyer, Remmie Colaço, Joe Rose, Jacinto Vaz, Bab Peter, Rosario Rodrigues, Mendes Brothers, Anil Kumar, Titta Pretto, H. Britton, Paul Romy, and various others.

Throughout her career, Mendes delivered memorable performances, but it is her portrayal in Mauli (Gardener), a non-stop tiatr written and directed by her son-in-law, Jose Rod, that stands out as her most unforgettable achievement.

In addition to her contributions to Konkani cinema, Mendes showcased her talent in Al Jerry Braganza's Sukhachem Sopon, a film that further exemplified her range as an actress.

[4] In addition to her musical achievements, Mendes also ventured into writing and directing tiatrs, having created three productions as of 1995: Abghat, Tum Saiba Konn, and Khuimchem Mojem Ghor (Which one's my house?).

Mendes boasts an extensive discography, with her vocals featured in over 500 audio cassettes, CDs, and LPs by various artists, including her son-in-law Jose Rod and Anil-Fatima.

[7] In relation to her craft as an actress and singer, Mendes underscored the significance of effectively portraying characters through appropriate costuming and emotive performances, thereby garnering the appreciation of the audience.