REMEMBERING CINE TIMES
REMEMBERING CINE TIMES.
A Golden Chapter in the History of Romi Konkani Journalism
How a small Konkani weekly from Bombay connected Goans across the world.
For many Goans, particularly those who lived in Bombay during the 1960s, 70s, 80s, and early 90s, Cine Times was much more than a newspaper. It was a familiar weekly companion that kept them connected to their mother tongue, homeland, culture, and community.
THE BEGINNING – 3RD DECEMBER 1963
Cine Times was launched on 3rd December 1963, the feast of St. Francis Xavier, by the De Elly brothers in Bombay. Their vision was to publish a Konkani newspaper in the Roman script (Romi Konkani), connecting Goans in Bombay, Goa and overseas, particularly those working in the Gulf countries.
The first edition was printed at Rex Printing Press, situated in Ropa Lane, Chandanwadi, Bombay. The brothers took over a struggling printing press on a rental basis, investing their own savings to realise their dream.
The newspaper began with a reported print run of 10,000 copies. It was a 12-page, demi-sized weekly publication, priced at just 10 paise!
WHAT MADE CINE TIMES SPECIAL?
The publication offered something for everyone. Its contents included:
News and happenings in Bombay and Goa.
Brief reviews of Hindi and other films.
Coverage and reviews of Konkani tiatrs.
Articles on Goan society and community affairs.
Contributions from Konkani writers and literary personalities.
Short stories and other literary material.
Every fortnight, readers also received a separate 16-page booklet featuring short stories.
One of its remarkable achievements was its postal circulation. Copies travelled far beyond Bombay and Goa, reaching Konkani-speaking readers in different parts of the world.
A PLATFORM FOR KONKANI WRITERS
Cine Times provided an important platform for writers, budding authors and literary contributors.
Among those associated with the publication were John Gomes, the late Zito Almeida and Tomazinho Cardozo. Mario de Chinchinim served as its correspondent in Goa, keeping Bombay readers informed about developments back home.
Its encouragement of emerging writers was particularly significant. Konkani writer Silvano Barbosa, who later settled in Canada, recalled how Enclidas De Elly encouraged him by publishing his poems and articles when he arrived in Bombay in 1970.
For many aspiring writers, seeing their work in print was a memorable milestone.
IT'S CONTRIBUTION TO TIATR
Cine Times also played an important role in promoting Konkani tiatr and the performing arts in Bombay.
At a time when tiatr was central to Goan cultural and social life, its coverage and reviews helped audiences stay informed about productions, performers and developments in the industry.
Enclidas De Elly also instituted the Cine Times Awards to encourage and revive the tiatr industry in Bombay.
THE END OF AN ERA
The journey was not without difficulties.
In 1988, the family lost Elliott, the elder brother. On 15th August 1995, tragedy struck when the building housing the printing press collapsed. Precious manuscripts, literary material and years of accumulated work were reportedly lost.
The publication eventually closed in November 1995, bringing to an end more than three decades of Konkani journalism.
THE LEGACY OF ENCLIDAS DE ELLY
Enclidas De Elly continued his literary journey and authored and published nearly 250 novelettes.
In recognition of his contribution to Konkani literature and journalism, he received the prestigious Gulab – Writer of the Year award in 2019.
His contribution, together with that of his brothers and fellow writers, remains an important part of Bombay's Goan literary and cultural history.
WHY WE MUST REMEMBER CINE TIMES
Cine Times represented an era when newspapers were eagerly awaited, writers found encouragement in print, tiatr artists received recognition, and Goans scattered across the world remained connected through their language.
It was not merely a newspaper. It was a cultural bridge, a literary platform and a voice for the Konkani-speaking community.
Today, it is important that younger generations learn about such publications and the dedicated people who worked tirelessly to keep Konkani journalism alive.
Publications may disappear, printing presses may fall, and generations may pass, but the contribution of those who worked for our language and culture deserves to be remembered.
Let us preserve our Konkani literary and cultural heritage for generations to come.
SOURCES AND FURTHER READING
Capt. Norbert F. Rebello – Cine Times: 'A Small, Useful Link in a Big City' (historical account).
Google Groups – Recollections of Konkani writer Silvano Barbosa.
Herald Goa – Enclidas De Elly, Gulab Writer of the Year 2019.
Behind the News: Voices from Goa's Press – Additional background reading.
Compiled for information and circulation among Goan and Konkani associations and cultural groups.
by Agnelo Rodrigues.