The National Centre for the Performing Arts stands as an iconic pinnacle in South Mumbai’s skyline, commanding attention at Nariman Point. Serving as a bastion for the promotion and preservation of Indian art and culture, the NCPA owes its existence to the visionary minds of JRD Tata and Dr Jamshed Bhabha. Their foresight recognised the imperative need for a worldclass, comprehensive centre for the arts.

The NCPA’s Tata Theatre, boasting a seating capacity of 1140, is a marvel of engineering. Featuring a rotating stage, this auditorium is uniquely designed to obviate the necessity for any amplification system. The technical expertise behind this masterpiece comes from Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE), which not only provided engineering and project management services but also conceived and engineered the innovative rotating stage. This intricate stage was brought to life through the craftsmanship of Tata Steel, completing the synergy of creativity and precision at the heart of the National Centre for Performing Arts in Mumbai.

The innovative design of the rotating canopy and stage is truly exceptional. This one-of-a-kind mechanism, supporting a substantial weight of 120 tons, relies on a system of 18 wheels along the outer rail circle and 6 wheels on the inner rail circle. Remarkably, the operational functionality is executed in near silence, devoid of any squeaking or screeching sounds, thanks to the friction drive.

The precision of the system is highlighted by two friction wheels that drive the stage, exerting pressure on the circular beam meticulously welded concentrically to the stage platter. This intricate setup ensures smooth and quiet operations, contributing to the seamless functioning of the stage. Since its implementation, the stage has consistently demonstrated satisfactory performance, a testament to its robust design and engineering.