Mumbai: Three years after opening its doors, Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) has emerged as one of India’s prominent platforms for performing arts, visual culture and international productions.

Since its launch in March 2023, NMACC has hosted more than 3,500 shows, welcomed nearly 2.5 million visitors and provided a platform to over 10,500 artists. Its programmes have been presented in more than 15 languages, bringing together Indian traditions, contemporary work and major international productions under one roof.

Indian stories meet large-scale productions

A major part of NMACC’s programming has focused on presenting Indian stories through large-scale productions supported by modern technology and elaborate stage design.

Productions such as Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical, Rajadhiraj: Love. Life. Leela and NMACC’s own The Great Indian Musical: Civilisation to Nation have become notable examples of this approach.

At the same time, the Studio Theatre and The Cube have provided space for smaller and more experimental productions. Theatre, music, comedy and dance programmes in languages, including Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and Bengali have formed an important part of the centre’s regular calendar.

Bringing global productions to Mumbai

NMACC has also given Indian audiences an opportunity to experience some of the world’s best-known stage productions without travelling overseas.

Shows, including The Sound of Music, West Side Story, MAMMA MIA!, The Phantom of the Opera and Wicked, have featured at the cultural centre.

The programming reflects the vision articulated by NMACC founder Nita Ambani at its launch: “Showcase the best of India to the world and bring the best of the world to India.”

A cultural campus built for different forms of art

The scale of NMACC’s programming is supported by a purpose-built infrastructure designed for everything from major musicals to intimate performances and visual art exhibitions.

The centre houses a 2,000-seat Grand Theatre, a 198-seat Studio Theatre, the 80-seat The Cube and a four-storey Art House. Together, these spaces allow NMACC to host large theatrical productions, smaller experimental performances and major visual art exhibitions throughout the year.

Art beyond the stage and gallery

NMACC’s cultural experience extends beyond its theatres and exhibition spaces. Its public areas feature installations and artworks, including the 56-foot-high Kamal Kunj, a Mumbai skyline created using traditional ghungroos, and Clouds by renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.

The centre also houses Swadesh, a Reliance Foundation initiative focused on Indian craftsmanship and traditional arts. Its presence adds another dimension to NMACC’s effort to place Indian heritage alongside contemporary and international art.

NMACC expands its global presence

The centre’s ambitions are increasingly extending beyond Mumbai. Its participation in the India Pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale is part of a wider effort to take Indian art and cultural expression to international audiences.

Looking ahead to its fourth year, NMACC has announced plans involving the return of The Great Indian Musical, along with productions such as Chicago. Oscar-nominated composer Max Richter is also set to make his first performance in India.