Why NCPA was the natural home for Cannes Homecoming 2025

For over five decades, Mumbai’s National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) has been a crucible of creativity. Albert Almeida, consultant, chairman’s office, NCPA, tells Campaign India why Cannes Homecoming belonged at Tata Theatre. He highlighted how art and advertising share the same pulse, and what young creatives can take away from this iconic stage

Mumbai’s Queen’s Necklace has many landmarks, but few as iconic as the NCPA. For over five decades, it has been India’s cultural temple hosting legends, collaborations, and creative breakthroughs. No wonder Cannes Homecoming, Campaign India’s initiative to celebrate the country’s Cannes Lions 2025 winners, found its stage here.

“The connection was instinctive,” says Almeida. "We’ve always celebrated creative excellence whether in the performing arts, cinema, or advertising.” He shares his thoughts about this event.

On partnering with Cannes Homecoming

I had no hesitation when the Campaign team approached me. The NCPA has been a home for creative excellence for 55 years, hosting celebrated international artists and collaborating with institutions like the Metropolitan Opera and the National Theatre UK. Cannes Lions honours the very best, and there was no better stage than the NCPA to celebrate Indian talent recognised globally.

On what makes a powerful idea

A powerful idea stirs thought, emotion, or change. The NCPA is more than a stage; it’s a space for dialogue between artists and audiences. Often, the impact shows when conversations continue after the curtain falls. That lingering effect is the true marker of a powerful idea.

On Cannes Homecoming inspiring young creatives

Cannes Homecoming recognises excellence at the highest level celebrating the talent and hard work behind every win. For young creatives, it offers more than the thrill of an award; it’s a chance to learn from and be inspired by those who’ve reached that pinnacle.

On the Tata Theatre as a stage

Designed by Philip Johnson and Cyril Harris, the Tata Theatre is one of India’s most iconic venues, intimate yet acoustically exceptional. For Cannes Homecoming, we wanted winners to feel the same aura this stage has given to legends. Its format of panels, performances, and screenings fit perfectly with the theatre’s inclusive atmosphere.

On creative excellence across forms

Excellence lies not just in originality but in rigour and integrity. Our Indian Music team, for instance, trains young musicians to the highest standards through the guru-shishya tradition. Much like our artists, Cannes-worthy campaigns demand rigour, teamwork, and must meet the jury’s exacting standards before being rewarded.

On blurring boundaries between art and commercial creativity

I don’t think they can be neatly separated. The audiences are often the same, and so are the principles, insight, relevance, and emotion. At NCPA, we aim to grow audiences with inclusive experiences, such as NCPA@thePark, where we bring free performances to public spaces.

On events like Cannes Homecoming fitting into the NCPA’s creative ecosystem

The NCPA, conceived by Jamshed J Bhabha and JRD Tata, was built to preserve and promote the arts. Its stages have always been dream destinations for artists. Cannes Homecoming continues that vision, celebrating excellence and bringing it home to inspire.

On nurturing new voices

We take pride in nurturing talent. Programmes such as Citi Promising Artistes, Nrityaparichay, and Connections with the National Theatre UK give young performers a platform to grow. The Symphony Orchestra of India Academy carries this forward by training the next generation of musicians. With the right mentorship and exposure, they will carry the legacy ahead.

As Almeida sums it up, “Cannes Lions celebrates excellence. Cannes Homecoming was about bringing that spirit back. And winners could have no better stage than the NCPA.”

The event was co-powered by Truecaller, with Mercedes as Luxury Partner and Pernod Ricard as Conviviality Partner.