Konkani music lovers in Goa and worldwide feel proud every time she picks up the mike and with her golden voice fills the air with music. Lorna is perhaps the oldest singer in Goa today, having been a very dominant force in the Goan music industry since the early 70s, someone who began her singing career in her early teens. Lorna performed as a Jazz singer in some of the top hotels and nightclubs in Mumbai and other parts of the country, and was discovered by the legendary musician Chris Perry who loved her voice the first time he heard her.

People will never forget the music that Goan singer Lorna brings whenever she performs on stage, says Verus Ferreira who spoke to the 75 year old singer ahead of her charity concert in Mumbai.

Lorna, you have a place of pride in Goan Music.  Could you tell us how you actually got into music… who was your inspiration?

How I got into music? I cannot say it was Chris Perry as such but I always liked singing since school days. That’s when he discovered me. He came to know there was a fabulous singer. He came over to my place and then our journey together began.

Could you tell us something about your mysterious self-imposed long exile from music? 25 years is a long time. Can anybody who loves singing stay away from singing?  Can she or he stay away from music for 25 years .Is it possible? (long pause) No, I don’t think so.

Chris Perry was instrumental in making you a star, but he also was responsible for your downfall. Do you still feel the anger towards him?

Chris Perry did really make me a Star; let me tell you frankly speaking he did make me a Star.  And I cannot say it was a downfall as such but even today I say that it is he who is responsible in making Lorna a Star. And he said this “I will make you a Star”, when he heard me sing for the first time. And he said this to me that he will never get another person like me and he said “I will make you a star” and he did it.

Around 5 years ago there was a biopic made titled Nachom-ia Kumpasar (Let's Dance to the Rhythm). It appeared that filmmaker Bardroy Barretto, which was not approved by you. Can you shed some light on this episode? V

Very true. I mean I had not approved of this, because he didn’t take my permission to make this movie.  It was his duty to come to me and take my approval to make this movie Nachom-ia Kumpasar. He is now making money at my cost and he goes around telling people that he gave me 10 lakhs, which is wrong……absolutely wrong what this man is saying.

You made a comeback in 1995 with an album ‘Hello Lorna’ and a live show later that year in Panjim. What do you think made the crowd in Goa really miss you?

Very true.  When I did my comeback in 1995, the people had missed me and the crowd that came there at Miramar…I have never seen a crowd like that and they all missed me…..they will not get another Lorna….this is Lorna. Come what may. What have you to say about it?

What do you feel about the current Konkani music scenario in India?

Avois! Without Lorna there is no Konkani music.  So long as Konkani is there Lorna’s music will exist. And everybody is there because they love Konkani and they love Lorna. What do you have to say about? That is what I want to hear from you’ll. Is it ok?

Do you think there is enough being done to promote Konkani music, tiatr and culture of Goa?

That I wouldn’t know.  But as an individual, I can promote Konkani music. Lorna can do anything for Konkani.  I don’t get involved with any of the other people. That’s Lorna and that’s what I am doing in Goa promoting Konkani music and you all can see it. Don’t you think so? Looking forward to seeing you and wishing you all the best.  This love comes to you from Lorna......

Interviewed by Verus Ferreira