Celia Lobo, renowned as India's sole opera diva, died peacefully at home after a prolonged illness. She was surrounded by her family, including her son, celebrated choreographer Ashley Lobo.
Born Celia Baptista in 1937, she grew up in a musical family deeply rooted in operatic traditions. In the 1960s, she joined the Bombay Madrigal Singers Organisation (BMSO), which was known for staging operas in Mumbai. Even after BMSO disbanded, Celia's dedication to opera continued through her work as a writer, director, and vocal trainer. She mentored several notable artists, including Sunidhi Chauhan, Shiamak Davar, Shweta Shetty, Sunita Rao, Shailesh Shandilya, and Neeti Mohan.
Her son, choreographer Ashley Lobo wrote a tribute for his mother on Instagram. It read: "Celia Lobo Opera Diva, master voice teacher, musical theatre director, corporate head, wife, mother and so much more to many. Just like that you were gone. And it was goodbye to a legend. But more than a legend you were my mother. My coach, my belief, my confidante, my friend, my biggest cheerleader. As you went I could see your relief (sic)."
He continued, "So much peace and for that I have to be happy. But you are never gone. Will miss you and will always carry your spirit within me. Will never forget all that you and dad taught me and it will stay in my heart forever. I am because of you. Will never forget that.
How could I. You taught me everything. Love you lots (sic)."
Celia Lobo is survived by her three children - Deirdre Lobo, a vocal coach and the founder/artistic director of the Celia Lobo Academy of Voice (CLAV) & OVIMA Global; Carolyn Vincent, a philanthropist and community builder based in Australia; and Ashley Lobo, a distinguished dancer and choreographer, founder and artistic director of The Danceworx (TDX) and Navdhara India Dance Theatre (NIDT).
Celia Lobo’s legacy as a trailblazer in Indian opera and as a mentor to many will be cherished and remembered.
