Titta Pretto

Tito Matias Estefânio Preto (born 4 January 1933), known professionally as Titta Pretto, is an Indian comedian, singer, composer, and playwright known for his work in Konkani films and tiatr productions.

Additionally, he demonstrated his musical prowess by composing and performing Konkani songs, earning acclaim for his solo works such as "Mogan Poddon," "Santak Korta Rozar," "Don't Worry Be Happy," and "Goa Amcho Ganv."

He ventured into the realm of cinema, leaving a mark with his appearances in Konkani films like Amchem Noxib, Nirmonn, Boglantt, Kortubancho Sonvsar, and Girestkai.

Additionally, Preto showcased his entrepreneurial spirit by producing three audio cassettes: Retired Tarvotti, Don't Worry Be Happy, and Goa Amcho Ganv.

According to Mazarello's scholarly work, Preto initially made his mark on the Konkani stage during a tiatr performance by Frank de Santacruz.

[2] In 1952, Preto achieved a significant milestone in his career when he acted in his own written and Minguel Rod-directed tiatr, Disgrass, which was staged thirteen times.

He played a pivotal role in contracting a substantial number of khell tiatrs and non-stop shows in Bombay, which were produced by writers and directors from Goa.

Some examples of his work include Soitanachi Tainni (The Temptation of Truth), Mogak Lagon, Xevott Kirmidoracho (The End of Criminals), Disgrass, and Atanchim Kazaram (The Marriages of Today).

[1] Preto was a nearby resident of Alfred Rose[3] and, as documented in the book 100 Years of Konkani Tiatro published in 2000, he and his family made their home in Mahim, Mumbai.

As the show was about to commence, Preto received an urgent call and rushed towards the source, inadvertently entering a concealed hole on the darkened stage.

[3] In another incident, Alfred Rose staged his tiatr production called Dotor Advogad (Doctor Advocate) in the village of Raia, Goa, near the Church.

However, his fellow troupe member, Rico Rod, was not as fortunate and suffered burns, prompting him to vigorously attempt to extinguish the fire on his person.

Aristides Dias, a Konkani playwright, displayed bravery and resourcefulness by swiftly intervening and smothering the flames with his own shirt, effectively preventing further harm.