Inside The Newly Opened Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC)

India has always been known for its rich cultural heritage, and now, it has a new center to showcase the best of its traditions. The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), located in Mumbai, is a first-of-its-kind facility that offers a glimpse into India's finest offerings in music, theatre, fine arts, and crafts. 

The center is a tribute to India's glorious legacy traditions and heritage, and it houses three performing arts spaces. The best of these is The Grand Theater, which can seat up to 2,000 people. The theater has 18 VIP diamond boxes that offer butler service, making it a truly luxurious experience. However, the most striking feature of the theater is its LED ceiling, which is adorned with 8,400 Swarovski crystals that change color according to the mood of the show, giving the theater an opera-like feeling.

The Grand Theatre at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre is India's premier venue for cultural events, boasting advanced technology and luxurious amenities. Overlooking the stunning Fountain of Joy is The Art House, a dedicated space for visual arts. The center features the Arts Café, a new restaurant by the prestigious Oberoi group, and Indian Accent, one of India's most awarded restaurants. With a well-equipped library offering an extensive collection of books on Indian art, culture, and history, visitors can attend book readings and discussions. Additionally, the center serves as a hub for social events and corporate gatherings with banquet halls and conference rooms accommodating up to 500 people. The NMACC has become a must-visit destination for tourists and locals, thanks to its unique architecture and world-class facilities.

The first event to catch the audience's attention was The Great Indian Musical: “Civilization to Nation”, a musical production that narrated India's journey through dance, drama, music, and art. The show featured 350 artists, including a 55-piece live orchestra led by the Budapest Scoring Orchestra, choreographers like Ajay-Atul, Vaibhavi Merchant, and Mayuri Upadhya.

“India in Fashion '' was another fascinating exhibition, curated by Hamish Bowles, that explored the influence of traditional Indian dress, textiles, and craft on the international fashion market since the 18th century. The exhibit featured an array of attire, from the varied draperies of the sari and dhoti to the botehs of Kashmir's shawls. It also highlighted the evolution of the contemporary Indian fashion community.

The opening of the Art Space was marked by an exhibition called “Sangam / Confluence”, showcasing artworks by Bharti Kher, Bhupen Khakhar, Anselm Kiefer, Cecily Brown, Ranjani Shettar, Francesco Clemente, and more. The exhibit was organized by American curator Jeffrey Deitch and India's leading cultural theorist Ranjit Hoskote.

Classical music enthusiasts enjoyed a two-hour-long live show by Padma Shree-awardee Aruna Sairam, a renowned vocalist accompanied by an array of instruments like the tabla, ghattam, mridangam, and violin. 

Another highlight was the play reading of “Kaifi Aur Main”, directed by Ramesh Talwar and featuring veteran actors Shabana Azmi and Kanwaljit Singh.

The official Indian adaptation of “Every Brilliant Thing”, written by playwright Duncan Macmillan and directed by Quasar Thakore Padamsee, encouraged the audience to interact with one another and with the performer. Through an uplifting story about love, life, family, mental health, and more, the play showcased the principles of interactive theatre.

Other events that took place at the NMACC included “Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai'' with Anupam Kher, a production about the actor's life, and Ismat Apa Ke Naam, featuring three of author Ismat Chugtai's powerful stories on society, religion, and female sexuality. The Naseeruddin Shah-directed play with music by Vishal Bharadwaj, featuring powerhouse actors Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Heeba Shah, was a must-see. 

Finally, “Voctronica”, India's first all-vocal ensemble, brought their signature sound to the NMACC stage, featuring a harmonious blend of beatboxing, Indian Classical pop, blues, and rock.

In fact NMACC is a remarkable addition to India's cultural landscape. The center celebrates India's rich cultural heritage and offers visitors an opportunity to experience the best of Indian music, theatre, fine arts, and crafts. The center is not only a cultural hub but also a social and corporate event venue. It is a testament to Nita Mukesh Ambani's vision and commitment to promoting Indian art and culture.