Geet Ramayana (Story of Ramayana through Songs) Renowned singer Francis Anthony (age 69) of Geet Ramayana fame died in an accident in Belgaum. According to reports, he met with an accident in Belagavi. Francis had been performing Geetramayana for more than three decades at the Ram temple in Mestwada-Vasco. Devotees of Vasco city used to wait for Ramnavami for Geetramayana and devotional songs in Marathi language by Francis Anthony. On the occasion of Ramnavami he has performed Geetramayana for almost 35 years at Sri Ram Mandir in Mestwada Vasco. He was also a member of the Diamond Orchestra and a famous singer.
According to information received, Francis Anthony died on the spot after a speeding truck hit his bike from behind in Belgaum. He is a resident of Joshi Galli, Shahapur. He was also a retired railway officer. The accident took place near the third railway gate on Saturday afternoon. The incident took place while taking his grandchildren home from school his granddaughter was also injured in the accident and she is out of danger.
The accident happened on Saturday around 12.40 pm. Francis was going home on his bike after taking his granddaughter Devna (age 14) from school on Saturday. He was seriously injured in an accident where a speeding truck hit him from behind near the third railway gate. He was shifted to a nearby private hospital. He died before that.
Francis Murgesh Anthony alias Anurag Verekar is originally from Savordem and settled in Belgaum for his job. He was known as a great singer. Along with Hindi songs, Geetramayana was also performed. He has also given music services on Panaji Akashvani for many years. He was better known as a famous singer of Geet Ramayana fame. On the occasion of Ramnavami, he has performed Geetramayana continuously for almost 35 years at Sri Ram Mandir in Mestwada Vasco. He was also a member of the Diamond Orchestra in Vasco and a famous singer. He has performed his singing programs in various places of Goa.
Therefore, he was more popular in Goa than in Belgaum. He has also served as a ticket checking officer in South Western Railway. After retirement, he continued his singing career. This year, Ram Navami Prityartha Vaskot Mestwada performed Geetramayana as per the annual tradition, and her singing performance left an impression on the hearts of the fans. Francis Anthony said while presenting the program this year that he will perform Geetramayana in Mestwara as long as he has breath. He is survived by a son, two married daughters and grandchildren. He added a large family with music and his singing performance. His death has been mourned by the artists of Diamond Orchestra of Vasco as well as instrumentalists of his song Ramayana and music lovers of Vasco, Bhajani and other artistes.