MUMBAI: India’s first-of-its-kind, multi-disciplinary cultural space, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), opened here on March 31 with an exquisite showcase of the best of India across music, theatre, fine arts and crafts.
In addition to the presence of the entire Ambani clan, the opening gala saw performances by Nita Ambani, Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh. Present on this occasion were all the Khans of the Hindi film industry, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, the Bachchans, Rajnikant and many more. From Hollywood, the guests included Gigi Hadid, Penelope Cruz, Zendaya and Tom Holland.
The centre marks another definitive step in strengthening India’s cultural infrastructure and bringing to fruition the best of India and the world in the sphere of arts. The launch show featured a specially curated art and craft exposition called ‘Swadesh’ along with three presentations – a musical theatrical called ‘The Great Indian Musical: Civilisation to Nation’; a costume art exhibition called ‘India in Fashion’ and a visual art show called ‘Sangam / Confluence’.
Diversity on display
Together, the programming was an exploration into the diversity of India’s cultural traditions and their impact on the world, while also showcasing the diversity of spaces at the cultural centre.
Speaking on the occasion, Nita Ambani said, “Bringing this cultural centre to life has been a sacred journey. We were keen to create a space for both promoting and celebrating our artistic and cultural heritage in cinema and music, in dance and drama, in literature and folklore, in arts and crafts and in science and spirituality. A space where we showcase the best of India to the world and welcome the best of the world to India.”
Inclusive spaces
The centre will be fully inclusive with free access for children, students, senior citizens, and the differently abled, and will focus on community nurturing programmes including school and college outreach and competitions, awards for arts teachers, in-residency guru-shishya programmes, art literacy programmes for adults, etc.
‘The Great Indian Musical: Civilisation to Nation’ is India’s biggest ever musical, with a Tony & Emmy award-winning crew. It has been conceived and directed by Feroz Abbas Khan. The immersive theatrical experience premiered inside the centre’s 2,000-seater Grand Theatre, which also featured a world-class stage that was framed by the largest proscenium in India.
The production brings together exceptional Indian talent such as AjayAtul (music), Mayuri Upadhya, Vaibhavi Merchant, (choreography) along with 350+ artists including an epic 55-piece live orchestra from Budapest, to showcase India’s cultural journey through history. The visual spectacle also features over 1,100 costumes designed by fashion designer Manish Malhotra.
Curated costumes
India in Fashion – Curated by author and costume expert Hamish Bowles and designed by award-winning exhibition designer Patrick Kinmonth along with Rooshad Shroff – this first-of-its-kind exhibition will showcase over 140 pieces of costumes, documenting India’s impact on the global fashion imagination.
The India-inspired pieces have been sourced from some of the biggest museums and unseen personal collections from around the globe. The exhibition’s spectacular set will feature costumes from iconic brands such as Chanel and Dior to key historic pieces dating as far back as the 18th century.
Sangam/Confluence – Marking the opening of the Art House – a dedicated space for visual arts, it will feature multiple pieces from five Indian and five international artists celebrating India’s diverse cultural impulses and traditions.
Curated by Jeffrey Deitch and Ranjit Hoskote, the exhibit is inspired by the idea of unions deeply rooted in Indian culture. From the works of internationally acclaimed artists like Anselm Kiefer and Francesco Clemente – whose pieces will be displayed in India for the very first time – to the works of traditional Indian artists like Shantibai, this show is a melting pot of unique narratives.
