At the age of 8, Marceline Fernandes, a seafarer and tiatrist (theatrical artist) hailing from São José de Areal, curated dramatic productions called khells that featured the participation of village boys.
Marceline enlisted the young Mascarenhas to assume the role of a female character in these khell presentations, and his performance was well received.
[1] Marceline would return from his maritime journeys annually to educate the young residents about the art of staging khell performances.
A tiatr by Fernandes, titled Dhorm (Religion), which cast Mascarenhas, garnered acclaim in the Goa region and was even presented to Goan communities residing in the Gulf states.
The 1984 Gulf production of Dhorm featured additional artistic collaborators, including Konkani singer Alfred Rose and playwright-director Rosario Dias.
Following this event, Succur Miranda, a playwright from São José de Areal, composed a theater piece titled Roma and included 22 year-old Mascarenhas in a significant role, leading to the play's popularity.
Over the course of his career spanning almost four decades, he has appeared in approximately 450 dramatic productions directed by several popular figures in the field, including Rosario Rodrigues, Patrick Dourado, Mario Menezes, John D' Silva, Roseferns, Tony Dias, among others.
Some of his self-authored and directed works include Soglle Roste Ugte (All the Roads Open), Tujim Paulam (Your Footsteps), Maink Lagon (Because of Mother), Daddy Hi Tuji Sun (Dad, this is your Daughter-in-law), Atanchim Bhurgim (Children Nowadays), Grandpa, Xezari Put (Neighbour Son), Mai Paichem Besanv (Parents' Blessings), among others.