Miss Carlota

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Miss Carlota, whose real name was Maria Carlota D'Souza (born 5 December 1902; date of death unknown), was a Portuguese theatre actress and singer who helped revive the presence of women on the Konkani tiatr stage.

She was born on 5 December 1902 in Cunchelim, Bardez, Goa, to João Minguel and Maria Artimiza Julia Vaz. At a time when society scorned women performers, she followed her passion for singing and acting and became a trailblazer on the Konkani stage.

Before her emergence, Goan women faced stiff social barriers, and many stopped performing while male actors often took female roles. D'Souza’s debut on 6 October 1934 in Saib Rocha's tiatr Son of Jerusalem at the Princess Theatre Bhangwadi in Bombay marked a turning point, bringing renewed hope and opportunities for women in Konkani theatre.

She quickly gained recognition and lead roles in several tiatrs. She starred opposite Anthony Tulu in Affonceka's Angelin Bomboinchi Puzadkarn and later joined the Union Jack Dramatic Company, where she played Juliet in Saib Rocha's Konkani adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. She also shared the stage with J. P. Souzalin in works like Conde de Monte Cruzo and Bhott Ailolo Pomburpechea Festak, earning praise from audiences.

Her talent extended across Bombay, Poona, Goa, and Karachi (then part of British India). Critics and fellow artists noted her ability to evoke deep emotion and her distinctive singing style, often showcased in duets with Anthony Tulu.

Miss Carlota died in Bombay while still active on stage, leaving a void in the Konkani tiatr world. She is remembered as a pioneer who opened doors for many Goan women to take the stage.