|
A portrait of a Portrait maker –
STEPHEN LEWIS of Mayura Studios and videos Saligrama.
It is common in Barkur, in 50’s and 60’s to send the Catholic
children to the Mary knoll Higher Primary school rather better
known as ‘Egargijen Eskhol’ with exceptionally few studied
in the Govt. Board School near Church. One of them I knew fairly
well since such days are Stephen - the only son of a teacher Irene
in the same school and the famous Gilbert Lewis, who were blessed
with two children the elder is the sister Freeda. Of course
Stephen also had that proud feeling being the grandson of the then
well-known Bonthu Lewis.
This boy since childhood days very special – active and energetic,
he liked pet animals and at home he made place for squirrels,
parrots, pigeons, monkeys and rabbits…. yes dogs and pigs always
there! He had special attachments for paintings and creative in
his drawings. His tact in making and sincerity in keeping the
friendship must need a special mention.
Born on 28th November 1962, he is younger to me by a
year, and during High School days my neighbour and his classmate,
John F. Gonsalves become his pet friend. One thing is a fact -
socially we all grown together through those teenage years and now
to adult and early and mid 40’s.
As I mentioned, this person typically different in the crowd, say
during CYM days everybody have a dream to play heroes role, but
this man wanted to be villain, only on stage - but offstage his
heart is of gold. His affair with the beautiful and talented girl
of our ward Gretta is a story nothing less of any Romeo-Juliet
or Leila Majnu or Shohni Mohival. Their
determination to each other and commitment for the cause love has
undergone many trials and tribulations. At last the day has come;
they united as one in the holy sacrament of Matrimony on 19th
February1987. The bridegroom was just 24 and bride is 20. It was a
wonder in the hands of Almighty, young Stephen was shown the signs
of stability by then, in learning and earning by that time.
So , Johney, Eric and myself started the journey with very thin
pockets. Even on this day, we have to admit we didn’t have enough,
to buy a fitting memento. Yes my friend John rightly put it in his
ears - our presence is present! The great day in the life of these
two, was also a historical landmark since nuptials and reception
in the newly built new portico at the St. Peter’s Church Barkur
and the adjacent pendal for the first time in our town..
Many fall in love, at times difficult to understand whether it is
infatuation or a liking to the opposite sex…. or an affection miss
read as love…. is a natural development with most us and if anyone
say or claim he/she didn’t liked anyone, till he/she stand in
front of the holy altar to exchange the vows is a blatant liar.
My point here is - exceptionally few grow with this likes for
each other and develop it into an intimate and blessed
relationship and become life partners and lead a successful
married life like that is one of Greta and Stephen.
As a professional Photographer:
It was after PUC Stephen decided academic qualification is more
than enough instead learn something to earn a name, fame and of
course money. Camera and photography and art were his hobby and
naturally become the first choice. He found a perfect mentor in
Shekar of Shilpha Studios at Brahmmavar. Every evening he had
something to share – what he learned and eloquent to recognize his
teachers tricks in the field. Even today he recall that experience
in molding him what he is today.
Somewhere in 1982, Stephen moved to Bombay and worked in a famous
Studio at Chembur as in-charge. He admits it was at here he
mastered the art both as a photographer and a thorough
businessman. An active social human being had a mission to
complete back home and returned to unite his teenage obsession and
heartthrob Greta who by then become partner in every breathe.
Today, Stephen Lewis as a photographer has made the most important
contribution in terms of an artist can do with his skill and how
he can package and present himself for the connoisseurs,
collectors, critics on the one hand and won the hearts of commons,
just married couples, college students with ease. Albums and
cassettes lost its glitter but Stephen is a busy man through out
the year just because of his quality.
Leadership Qualities:
A dashing muscular physique, uncompromised velour and courage,
thunderous voice - all ingredients of a leader are in built in a
man, but he never craved for that. Of course it was by a whisker
he lost the President’s post of CYM Barkur in 1981, to that extent
the unit is poorer not to extract the dynamic leadership of Lewis.
Later, many opportunities knocked the doors even that of the
President’s office of Rotary Club – Saligarama, as
Vice-President of Socio-cultural group - The Expressions,
as Vice-President of South Kanara Photographers’
Association- to mention just a few.
As a versatile actor par excellence:
Heroes triumph when villains are powerful. It is not an
exaggeration if stated here Stephen is the best villain actor
Barkur ever seen. He made roles in all time great plays like KK in
‘Shirapachi Shirant ‘written by Johnny Mariabhoomi, John of
‘Molbavaili Divti’ by Dolphy Cassia and Rudy in John
Gonsalves – ‘Kaloka thavn Uzvadak’ immortal. He was also at
ease with comic roles too; remember his roles in Tisri Chit
and Main Kain Aasi …and one of the best dancer to the
western tunes and a singer on his own right.
He was a child artist during school and teenage days and his
passion still exist at 40’s and performance in Expression
exhibitions still continues but the grit of heydays as age
advancing, though missing.
As worthy parents and achievements of daughter Stenita:
Even after leaving the native Barkur, now about 22 long years,
make it point to meet Stephen during holidays. He inherits
ancestral property in Barkur but built his new dwelling in
Saligrama. He mixes and mingles with people like honey and milk in
this new locality. Their lone daughter Stenita a charming
girl now at her teens is a celebrity. Yes overnight no one reach
to skies. The sustained efforts of parents, to train, guide and
encourage their daughter, started paying rich dividends. At times
this couple becomes emotional to recollect the memories of younger
daughter Smitha, who is now in heavenly abode.
Many of our readers read about her Bharata-Natyam expertise and
Ranga pravesham in this and Daiji Dubai, Mai-Bhas web pages in Nov
/ Dec.2005. She become the first among the Christians in the
surrounding area to do so and mastered the art. Yes long way to
go……. but symptoms of ‘a star in the making’ visibly seen by those
attended that programme on 4th December at Maitri
Hall at Sastan. I consider it a divine providence to be a witness
to this beautiful, rare and unique function. Equally good at
academic studies, she is very humble, is a great quality I admire
most in this promising girl.
Humane face of a Successful businessman:
Personally I was one inspired by Stephen’s achievements back home.
Youngsters have a lot to learn. Dedication for the profession and
deep sense of responsibility, learning new things in the industry,
imparting the knowledge to the next generation photographers,
active involvement of the whole family as one and service with a
smile - are some salient features even his competitors
appreciate.
Quality always cost you a little more, but customers coming
searching for him. He attends social, cultural, political
functions of all communities to catch them in his camera for years
to remember, as his was cosmopolitan outlook. Now being a most
wanted photographer in the Northern Coast from Kallianpur to
Kundapur, Mayura is the goodwill, attracting all.
Since Catholic functions held at Church he knows the temperament
of each and every priest very well and plan and adapt easily to
the situation. At ease with Hindu rituals, customs and temples he
likes vegetarian food very much. Many a times during ceremonies he
plays the duel role of MC too, invariably have the capacity to
control and energy to enthrall the audience. One more quality in
Stephen is – he is an honest critic. No habit of praising for the
sake of praising, no not at all. Advise people on stage manners,
public speaking, sound system and dressing.
Friends there are lot of events involving Stephen….. but we have
to restrict to couple of pages. This is just a small effort to
present a true picture of a true friend. All of us make a living
by what we get, but it is in what we giving we craft our life.
On this glorious moment we pray to Almighty to bless this Lewis
Family abundantly.
On behalf of Barkur-online and ICYM Barkur Ex-Member’s
Association,
P. Archibald Furtado,
Muscat – 1st February, 2006. |
