The Royal Opera House, Mumbai, celebrated the 10th anniversary of its restoration with an immersive musical evening on October 23, as the popular band Tabla and Sons enthralled audiences with a high-energy fusion of Indian classical music, percussion and Bollywood favourites, complemented by striking projection mapping.Their performance paid tribute to musical maestros AR Rahman and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, while popular numbers such as Amaal Mallik’s Mere Dholna and Shashwat Sachdev’s Dhurandhar theme had the audience completely immersed in the music.Eight tablas, eight vocalists, accompanied by live drums, Puneri dhol, tasha, Punjabi dhol and other percussion instruments, created a powerful rhythmic foundation. Sitar and flute brought Indian classical textures to the performance, while guitars and keyboards added contemporary sounds. The vocal ensemble seamlessly moved between Bollywood hits and modern musical arrangements, creating an engaging blend of tradition and contemporary fusion.Projection mapping added another dimension to the evening, transforming the historic venue’s architecture into an integral part of the performance through light and imagery.Speaking about the Opera House’s rich legacy, Asad Lalljee said, “The Royal Opera House was inaugurated by King George V in 1911 and completed in 1916. It subsequently became an important venue for theatre, music and cinema. Over the decades, it became the stage for some of the greatest names in the performing arts, including Gandharv, Dinanath Mangeshkar and Prithviraj Kapoor. In fact, Lata Mangeshkar made her first public appearance on this stage. ”PICLeft to right: Ashish Doshi hon Director Royal Opera House Mumbai (ROHM), Maharajasaheb Himanshusinhji of Gondal and Asad Lalljee Curator, ROHMThe anniversary celebration underscored the venue’s enduring cultural significance, bringing together its storied past and contemporary artistic expression in an evening that celebrated music, heritage and innovation.
