Nita Ambani brings West End classic 'The Phantom of the Opera' to India with a grand debut at NMACC

Nita Ambani, founder and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, unveiled a night of theatrical grandeur as The Phantom of the Opera made its much-anticipated debut at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai.

One of the most iconic musicals of all time, The Phantom of the Opera is composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel Le Fantôme de L’Opéra. Since premiering in London’s West End in 1986, it has become Broadway’s longest-running show, enchanting audiences with its haunting score, opulent sets, and a narrative woven with love, obsession, and tragedy.

The story follows the enigmatic Phantom, who lurks beneath the Paris Opera House, fixated on young soprano Christine Daaé. Torn between being her mentor and tormentor, he stops at nothing to shape her destiny. With legendary songs like The Music of the Night and All I Ask of You, the musical is hailed as ‘the most breathtaking love story on stage.’

A dazzling lineup of stars lit up the Mumbai evening as luminaries such as AR Rahman, Sivamani, Suryakumar Yadav, Jackie Shroff, Lillete Dubey, Kavita Krishnamurti, L. Subramaniam, Ishaan Khatter, Tara Sutaria, and Bosco Martis gathered to witness the historic moment.

According to NMACC, the arrival of The Phantom of the Opera in India marks the Centre’s second anniversary, setting a new milestone by bringing ‘the world’s most beloved musical’ to Indian audiences.

Speaking on the debut, Nita Ambani said, “We have completed two incredible years. When we inaugurated NMACC, I made a promise to bring the best of India to the world and the best of the world to India. And today, we have the iconic The Phantom of the Opera, right here in India, at our own Cultural Centre. It doesn’t get bigger or better than this! Also, in September this year, we are taking the NMACC Cultural Weekend to New York at the Lincoln Center. Thank you for always supporting the Cultural Centre.”