Remo inaugurates arts festival in Panaji
Pop singer Remo Fernandes has inaugurated the Fontainhas Festival of the Arts here and used the forum to press for planned growth and need for preserving the old architectural structures in Goa.
The internationally known singer also launched his new pop comeback album ‘Muchacha Latina’ (Latin girl) at the festival here last evening. The five-day annual event salutes the 18th century Indo-Portuguese architecture.
“I remember during my childhood days every house in the city had its own garden and architecture was typical to Goa,” Remo said during an informal chat with reporters.
The architect-turned-singer, who was on the forefront to oppose the controversial Regional Plan 2011, which envisaged using forest land for commercial activities, was disturbed with the unplanned growth and crumbling architectural wonders in the state capital.
“Be vigilant.. The politicians may tell you that they have scrapped the Regional Plan 2011 but dont believe them. They won’t do so because huge money is involved in it,” he said while talking about the land use plan which saw public outrage in the tourist state.
The festival will see 65 artists displaying their creations along the roadside and in architecturally important houses at Fontainhas, an area fringing Panaji.
Befitting the occasion, Remo, in a surprising gesture, invited Heta Pandit, President, Goa Heritage Action Group, the festival organiser, to launch his album.
The festival showcases various forms of art, including folklore, painting, installations and photographs. “We expect more than 10,000 people to walk in the lanes of Fontainhas during the festival,” Pandit told reporters.
— PTI
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