The Royal Opera House, Mumbai, celebrated ten years since its restoration and reopening on Friday, 23 October 2026 with an evening that brought together the building’s architectural heritage, contemporary visual storytelling and live music. Marking a decade since the landmark reopened its doors in October 2016, the celebrations also commemorated 110 years since the completion of the Opera House in 1916.

Welcoming guests, CEO of Avid Learning and Curator of the Royal Opera House, Mumbai, Asad Lalljee acknowledged the contributions of the Royal Family of Gondal, whose vision and commitment made the restoration of the Opera House possible. Commissioned in 2008 by the late Maharaja of Gondal, Shri Jyotendrasinhji, the restoration was carried forward under the guidance of Maharanisaheba Kumud Kumari, with the close supervision of Ashish Doshi, Honorary Director, and the expertise of conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah and her team. Asad also recognised the continued support of Maharajasaheb Himanshusinhji of Gondal, the artists, collaborators, patrons, cultural organisations, production teams, technicians and audiences who have contributed to the institution’s journey over the past decade.

The evening opened with a projection mapping experience by Floating Canvas Company, transforming the historic architecture of the Opera House through light, image and sound. The projections illuminated the building in new ways, inviting audiences to experience its architectural details through a changing interplay of imagery and sound. The experience set the tone for an evening in which the building itself became part of the artistic presentation. Artist Zainab Tambawalla’s illustrations shaped the creative identity of the anniversary celebrations.

Reflecting on the Opera House’s journey since reopening in October 2016, Asad spoke of the collective effort to honour its architectural heritage while giving the building a renewed cultural purpose. Over the past decade, the Opera House has presented a wide-ranging programme spanning music, theatre, dance, literature, cinema, architecture, heritage, children’s programming, cultural diplomacy and conversations on contemporary issues. Its stage has brought established artists and emerging voices together through traditional performances, experimental work, intimate conversations and large-scale productions.

Through Avid Learning’s curatorial leadership, the Opera House has become a significant part of Mumbai’s cultural landscape, bringing together diverse artistic practices and perspectives. As India’s only surviving opera house, it continues to preserve its historic legacy while creating space for new artistic expressions and remaining connected to the city’s evolving cultural life.

Looking ahead to the next decade, Asad Lalljee, said, “The restoration of the Royal Opera House not only revitalised our stage, but also the neighbourhood. The next decade is an opportunity to build on the relationships and ideas that have shaped the Opera House so far. We want to expand our international collaborations, develop more interdisciplinary programming, and explore the possibilities at the intersection of art, technology and design. Equally important is strengthening our engagement with younger audiences and building deeper partnerships. As India’s only surviving opera house, we have a responsibility to preserve this remarkable legacy while ensuring that the building remains a living space for the arts. We are delighted to be celebrating this milestone, and I am excited to see what the next ten years will bring.”

The evening then moved into its musical centrepiece with Tabla & Sons, introduced by Asad as a celebration of Indian music bringing together the traditions of Indian classical music, Bollywood and contemporary fusion. Directed by Vishal Shah and produced by Glowshow Global Artists, led by Jayesh Shah, the ensemble combined eight tablas with live drums and percussion, sitar, flute, guitars, keytar and six vocalists.

The performance moved across three musical worlds, offering distinctive interpretations of familiar Bollywood soundtracks alongside classical influences and contemporary arrangements.

The performance unfolded alongside the evolving projection mapping, with the visuals changing with each composition. The interplay between the live ensemble and the illuminated architecture brought together sound, light and image, extending the opening visual experience into a dynamic musical presentation. The combination reflected the spirit of the anniversary: a celebration of the Opera House as a space continually accommodating new artistic expressions and experiences. The anniversary celebrations were attended by members of the diplomatic corps, cultural institutions, the arts and media, and Mumbai’s civic community.

Among those present were Maharajasaheb Himanshusinhji of Gondal, Shaina Nana Chudasama, Indian fashion designer, politician, and social worker. Daughter of the former Sheriff of Mumbai, Nana Chudasama, Bhoomi & Dhanraj Nathwani, Neemtree Entertainment Private Limited and Reliance Industries Limited,  Nitin Dossa, the chairman of both the Western India Automobile Association (WIAA),   Prithviraj Kothari, Bullion King and a prominent promoter of RiddiSiddhi Bullion Ltd (RSBL), Rahul Jhaveri, Trustee Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, Consul General of Canada in Mumbai Jeff David; Consul General of Ireland in Mumbai Patrick Duffy; Consul General of Australia in Mumbai Paul Murphy; Deputy Consul General of Germany in Mumbai Christophe Rendtorff; Deputy Consul General of Italy in Mumbai Paolo Zampella; Russian Vice Consul for Trade, Media and Protocol in Mumbai Matvei Fetisov; Canadian Diplomatic Affairs Officer Karina Sihota; Country Director, India, British Council Alison Barrett; Director, West India, British Council Rashi Jain; Singer Kavita Seth; Singer Shweta Shetty; Composer and Pianist Steve Barakatt; Founder and Managing Trustee of the Ma Foundation India Geeta Gopalakrishnan; Former Director, Tata Sons R Gopalakrishnan, Founder and Chairperson, Avid Learning Mrs. Madhu Ruia; Fine Artist and Honorary Chairperson, Kala Ghoda Association Brinda Miller and Conservation Architect Abha Narain Lambah to name a few.

Addressing guests at the end of the evening, Honorary Director of the Royal Opera House, Ashish Doshi, reflected on the Royal Family of Gondal’s vision for the venue and its continuing place in Mumbai’s cultural life. He thanked the Royal Family for their continued commitment to the Opera House and acknowledged Asad Lalljee and the Avid Learning team for the robust curation over the past decade. He also thanked the Royal Opera House team for their work in sustaining the venue and its operations, along with the artists who have brought its stage to life, the collaborators and cultural partners who have contributed to its programming, and the guests whose continued interest and support have helped the Opera House remain part of the city’s cultural conversation.

The celebrations concluded with Ashish Doshi inviting guests to continue the evening over cocktails and dinner, bringing together those who have contributed to the Opera House’s journey and those who will help shape its future.