Maria Vital Fernandes (born 4 November 1946), known professionally as Betty Ferns, is an Indian actress and singer known for her work in Konkani films and tiatr productions.
Living in close proximity to a building on Claire Road, Fernandes encountered Anglo-Indian individuals who were involved in the Bollywood film industry.
During a visit to Goa following Antonette's wedding, Fernandes discovered an opportunity to showcase her talents in a tiatr production titled Noxib Strikevaleachem.
She has collaborated with playwrights such as C. Alvares, Prem Kumar, M. Boyer, Remmie Colaco, and Robin Vaz, showcasing her acting prowess in numerous productions.
Her repertoire expanded to encompass other tiatrs such as Honrad Goenkar, Goencho Mog (The Love for Goa), Jurament (The Oath), Axea (The Greed), Mhozo Put Padri (My Son is a Priest), Hatantlim Kanknam (The Hand Bangles), Duddvankar Zatoloi (You'll become a Milkman), Sonvsar Sudhorlo Punn Munis Sudhronk Na, and many more.
[3] In addition to her stage work, Fernandes also secured a supporting part in Chris Perry's Konkani film Bhuierantlo Munis and participated in the tiatr Novro Mhozo Devchar (My Devil Boyfriend).
She frequently collaborated with playwright Prem Kumar, who crafted substantial roles for her in tiatrs such as Jivit Ek Sopon (Life's a Dream), which featured a distinctive character, and Rinn (The Debt), known for its revolving stage.
Her contributions extended to other productions including Tuje Dis Bhorle, No Time, Govai (The Witness), Dubhav (The Doubt), Vauraddi (The Worker), Dukh, Piso (Crazy), Hanv Kitem Korum?
Other tiatrs she participated in with Boyer include Bhurgem ani Bhangar (Child and Gold), Adim Tem Atam Hem, and Sounsar Sudhorlo, among others.
Additionally, Fernandes had significant roles in tiatrs by Remmie Colaco, including Ghorachem Sukh Part I & II, and Mendes Brothers' production Bomboicho Dada (The Father of Bombay), where she portrayed a pickpocket.
Fernandes also holds the distinction of being the first artist from Bombay to act in Rosario Rodrigues's khell tiatr, Ekech Ratri Ami Fator.
Although Fernandes expressed a greater inclination towards acting rather than singing, she has collaborated with various artists to render duets, including C. Alvares, Bab Peter, Prem Kumar, Young Mendes, H. Britton, Robin Vaz, Francis de Parra, and Joe Rose.
[3] As of July 2017, Fernandes remained actively engaged in stage performances, expressing her desire to continue showcasing her acting skills as the need arose.
However, the backstage encouragement of M. Boyer, Jacint Vaz, and Remmie Colaco provided reassurance to Fernandes, assuring her of the role's merit and dispelling her emotional distress.