India's Beloved Opera Diva Celia Lobo Passes Away Surrounded By Family

Celia Lobo, celebrated as India's only opera diva, passed away peacefully at home after a prolonged illness. She was surrounded by her family, including her son, renowned choreographer Ashley Lobo.

Born in 1937, Celia Baptista was raised in a musical family steeped in operatic traditions. In the 1960s, she joined the Bombay Madrigal Singers Organisation (BMSO), which staged operas in Mumbai. After BMSO closed, Celia continued her passion for opera through writing, directing, and vocal training.

Throughout her career, Celia Lobo mentored many notable students. Her influence extended to artists such as Sunidhi Chauhan, Shiamak Davar, Shweta Shetty, Sunita Rao, Shailesh Shandilya, and Neeti Mohan. Her dedication to teaching and nurturing talent left an indelible mark on the Indian music scene.

Family and Legacy

Celia Lobo is survived by her three children: daughter Deirdre Lobo, a vocal coach and founder/artistic director of the Celia Lobo Academy of Voice (CLAV) & OVIMA Global; daughter Carolyn Vincent, a philanthropist and community builder residing in Australia; and son Ashley Lobo, renowned dancer and choreographer, founder, and artistic director of The Danceworx (TDX) and Navdhara India Dance Theatre (NIDT).

Celia Lobo's legacy as a pioneer in Indian opera and a mentor to many will be fondly remembered. Her contributions to the arts have left a lasting impact on both her students and the broader cultural landscape of India.