On October 10, when the hearse carrying the mortal remains of iconic industrialist Ratan Tata was taken to the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) for people to pay their last respects, many people including many of India’s most respected corporate houses Would not have felt a deep connection with. Culture, especially NCPA.

Located at the end of Marine Drive along the Arabian Sea in the once thriving business district of Nariman Point (until the Bandra Kurla Complex was developed), NCPA, a mega center of performing arts in Mumbai, owes its existence to two visionaries – JRD Tata and Jamshed Bhabha. (Brother of nuclear physicist Homi Bhabha, who spent 60 years with the Tata Group).

Ratan Tata and NCPA President Khushru N Suntook. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

They worked together on several projects, the most important of which was the NCPA. Both aspired to create a world-class, comprehensive center for the arts in Mumbai. He founded NCPA in 1969 as South Asia’s first multi-venue and multi-genre cultural centre.

“When Mrs. Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister, Jamshed Bhabha met her with a request to give eight acres of land. He sought help from the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Vasantrao Naik. When Bhabha came to him, the chief minister pointed towards the sea and told him that was the only place available,” says NCPA president Khushru N Suntook, laughing.

Construction site after reclaiming land from the sea. Photo Credit: Courtesy: NCPA

“Bhabha and JRD agreed to this proposal. Tata spent more than eight years filling the land reclaimed from the sea,” says Suntook.

Even while the work was going on, Jamshed Bhabha did not want to delay this dream project and he established the NCPA on one floor of the high-rise building Akash Ganga, which was built on the place where the bungalow of eminent lawyer Bhulabhai Desai once stood. Used to do.

“Despite initial challenges, the project took shape because of JRD’s full support,” Suntook elaborated. An associate of Ratan Tata for many years, Suntook has held various senior positions in the Tata Group. His love for music inspired him to launch the Symphony Orchestra of India in 2006.

“The first theater that came to NCPA was called Tata Theatre. Tata Consulting Engineers used their technical expertise to come up with a revolving stage, a lobby and superb acoustics. Internationally renowned architect Philip Johnson and acoustical consultant Cyril Harris were involved., Before work began, Bhabha visited several concert halls in the West. “Eminent international and national artists have performed here,” says Suntuk.

Tata Theater at NCPA Photo Credit: Courtesy: NCPA

To mark its platinum jubilee, Tata Iron and Steel Company came up with the Tata Experimental Theatre, which was designed as a black box – with black or gray walls and movable seating for intimate interaction with the audience. A simple display space with.

Realizing the need for space to stage operas, musicals and full orchestras, NCPA inaugurated the Jamshed Bhabha Theater on November 24, 1999. The theatre, which can seat 1,109 people, boasts a grand 100-year-old marble staircase that was donated. Sir Dinshaw Petit.

Historic marble staircase at Jamshed Bhabha Theatre. Photo Credit: Courtesy: NCPA

Recalling the construction of this theatre, Suntuk says: “Two months before its completion, almost the entire structure was destroyed in a fire. Jamshed Bhabha was distressed, but he ensured that no one got involved in any kind of allegations and counter-allegations. In less than two years the theater was ready for re-opening. A humble man, he wanted to call it National Theatre. But close friends and colleagues overpowered him and started saying that it was his child and he should be named.

Ratan Tata with his friend and maestro Zubin Mehta. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

From the very moment Jamshed Bhabha proposed the construction of a cultural complex to the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, JRD Tata supported the idea wholeheartedly. Although some trustees were skeptical, Jamshed Bhabha, in his letter to the Trust in 1965, wrote, “…music and related arts are the most important part of the country’s 5,000-year-old cultural and spiritual heritage. Music remains with an Indian from his birth to his grave; From birth to death.” Not surprisingly, the Trust made an endowment of Rs 40 lakh for the construction of the National Center for the Performing Arts.

“Ratan continued the legacy with his tireless support. He used to participate in western classical music festivals. He enjoyed listening to the works of Beethoven, Mozart and Brahms. Ratan, Zubin and I had a cordial relationship. When Zubin came here this September to perform with the Symphony Orchestra of India, Ratan wrote to me that he was unable to come to the concert due to his health condition. An astute businessman, art connoisseur and a kind soul, he created loyalties that were amazing. The huge crowd that came to bid him farewell proved this,” says Suntook.