AlfredRose.com

In the year 2003, around August / September, I was determined to meet my idol Alfred Rose. I asked my father for his address and location. My father was too good at addresses and explained very well how to reach the home of my idol. However, in the excitement I was over confident that I understood my fathers instructions and went straight to Mahim in Mumbai / Bombay.

When I reached Mahim I realized that I messed up with the street & the building. I was scared to call my father to ask him for the details again so I decided to start asking people. I was surprised when I asked a cobbler on the street, if he knew where Alfred Rose lived? The cobbler asked me in return, if I was referring to the same person that he knew as a famous singer & then guided me to his address. Amazingly, this cobbler was not a Goan or someone who knew Konkani nor was he even close to Alfred's home

While I was walking towards the correct location, I met a family friend who lives in the neighbourhood of Alfred Rose. This friend knew Alfred Rose and his family very well for many years and he is also involved in Konkani Tiatr's and Music. He asked me what I was upto & was taken aback when I told him that I was in Mahim to meet the Melody King. He not only discouraged me but also suggested that I go back home saying that Rita Rose ( wife of Alfred Rose ) would never entertain me as Alfred Rose was not in the best of health.

I took up the challenge and continued towards the home of my idol hoping for the best. I was very nervous but was determined to see my idol. I reached the building, walked upstairs and stood in front of the door and rang the bell. A man (Alfred's caretaker) answered the door and asked me what I wanted. I said, "I want to meet Alfred Rose" The man replied, "Alfred Rose nahin hain " ( Alfred Rose is not there ). So I asked for Rita Rose and just then she came to the door and asked me who I was. I said to her, "I'm not someone whom you know but I know Alfred & you very well". Rita Rose was very courteous and welcomed me inside their home with a smile.

My dream to meet my idol came true. God was with me and that was one of the best things I got from God. While I was seated and talking to Rita Rose, Alfred was listening to most of my conversation sitting opposite me. I was feeling very bad that I was right infront of my idol but all we could do was see each other as he had lost his speech due to a paralytic stroke. I was wondering why God would take away the voice of a singer. His voice was his identity, his passion and that would be the worst thing ever to happen to him.

During my conversation I did mention to him that I remember his song GA-GE-RE-GO and I sang just about one line and I saw his attempt to sing that song. Despite of the fact that he had lost his voice completely he had so much passion and love for singing that he still tried without success. I did not try to remind him of any other song as it was very painful to see him that way and to get his passion out in that situation. After sometime he was taken inside for dinner and it was his bed time. That was the LAST TIME I SAW HIM.

I had a good time talking to Rita Rose and I was at their home for nearly 2 hours. I really thank Rita Rose from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to meet my idol and being so courteous to  me. Had she not allowed me to meet my idol I would always feel this vacuum in my life. I was very happy when she considered me the biggest fan of Alfred Rose.

Later in October, while I was on a business trip outside India, I got the news of the death of Alfred Rose via email. I was shattered and felt helpless that I could not even attend his funeral. However, I did make it a point to attend the month's mind mass to pay my respects and my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family

- Agnelo Fernandes