The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center (NMACC) launch on March 31 was 2023’s most spectacular event so far that witnessed several star-studded appearances and the unveiling of a world-class cultural centre showcasing India’s finest contributions in music, theatre, fine arts, and crafts. Hosted by the Ambanis, known to bring in Hollywood and Bollywood stars under the same roof for various celebrations, it was one big celebration of Indian fashion and art that marked the presence of several Hollywood stars. The Center is housed within the Jio Global Center in Bandra-Kurla Complex and plans to conserve and promote Indian arts.
A two-day opening ceremony followed the launch. Renowned Indian superstars Rajinikath, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Siddharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani and several other Bollywood actors were in attendance on Day 2.
The opening weekend saw the presence of famous international celebrities, with the red carpet resembling the Indian Version of the Met Gala.
The Euphoria actress Zendaya was breathtaking in a beautiful blue saree by Rahul Mishra. Academy Award winner Penelope Cruz also flew to India to attend the gala night and was seen in a pink-feathered gown by Tamara Ralph. Spiderman Actor Tom Holland, all suited-up in black, was spotted posing with the Ambani Family.
American model Gigi Hadid was a cynosure for all eyes in a Chikankari saree by ace designers Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. She lived her Bollywood dream, embracing the royalty and richness of India as she thanked the Ambanis in her Instagram post: It was an unforgettable first trip to India.
Desi Girl Priyanka Chopra, resplendent in an up-cycled 65-year-old benarasi heritage saree by designer Amit Aggarwal, walked the red carpet with her husband, Nick Jonas and their daughter Malti Marie.
Ace designers were honoured at the event, including Anamika Khanna, Arpita Mehta, Kunal Rawal, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Masaba Gupta, and Anita Dongre as they promote Indian textiles on the global platform.
Visualised by philanthropist Nita Ambani, the cultural centre is a first-of-its-kind art space in India that aims to spotlight Indian arts and culture.
The spaces at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Center Include:
- The Grand Theatre: The spectacular 2000-seated theatre is considered one of the “most technologically advanced theatres in India”. It is seeped in the grandeur of India’s historical monuments. The theatre has been modelled on the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and includes a 100-seater orchestra pit, absorbent wood to reduce audio reflections, a marvellous LED light sculpture with 8400 Swarovski crystals, and a batten fly system.
- The Studio Theatre: It’s a compact space designed for small-scale performances and breakthrough experiences, with a seating capacity of 150 guests. The theatre features a telescopic seating system that transforms according to the demands of the event.
- The Cube: An intimate space with a seating capacity of 125 guests, The Cube is designed to cater to dialogue-oriented or conversational performances.
- Art House: The art gallery, a four-storey, 16,000 sq feet visual arts space, is built as per the global museum specifications. It has become one of the major attractions of Jio Global Center since it displays Indian and international art.
- Dhirubhai Ambani Square: The mesmerising fountain features a heavenly combination of water, light, fire, and music.
