Mumbai: Vocal coach and musical theater director Celia Lobo has died after a prolonged illness, her family said on Thursday. She was 87 years old.
Celia passed away Tuesday morning at her home surrounded by her family, including her son and celebrated choreographer Ashley Lobo.
Ashley, known for his work in Imtiaz Ali films such as "Jab We Met", "Love Aaj Kal" and "Tamasha", wrote a heartfelt note on Instagram in memory of his mother.
"Opera diva, singing teacher, musical theater director, corporate director, wife, mother... and much more for many... That's how easily you left. And it was goodbye to a legend. But more than a legend you were my mother .My coach, my belief, my confidant, my friend, my greatest cheerleader. While you were going I could see so much peace and that's why I have to be happy.
"But you are never gone. I will miss you and I will always carry your spirit within me. I will never forget everything you and dad taught me and it will remain in my heart forever. I am because of you. I will never forget it. How could I?" You taught me everything. I love you so much..." Ashley wrote alongside her photo.
Considered India's only opera diva, Celia is also survived by her daughters Deirdre Lobo, a vocal coach, and Carolyn Vincent, a philanthropist.
Born in 1937, the artist was raised by the Baptista, a family of musicians steeped in operatic traditions. In the 1960s, he joined the Bombay Madrigal Singers Organization (BMSO), which performed operas in Mumbai.
He continued his studies at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London and subsequently worked with the BMSO once he returned to India.
At BMSO, Celia played the female lead in Giacomo Puccini's "Tosca", Gaetano Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor", Giuseppe Verdi's "La Traviata" and "Rigoletto" and Vincenzo Bellini's "Norma".
After the closure of BMSO, Celia ventured into writing, directing and vocal training. Singers Sunidhi Chauhan, Shweta Shetty, Sunita Rao, Neeti Mohan and choreographer Shiamak Davar are some of her illustrious students.
She also directed plays and musicals and performed concerts in Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
In addition to being an accomplished musician, Celia also worked as a corporate executive.
Celia passed away Tuesday morning at her home surrounded by her family, including her son and celebrated choreographer Ashley Lobo.
Ashley, known for his work in Imtiaz Ali films such as "Jab We Met", "Love Aaj Kal" and "Tamasha", wrote a heartfelt note on Instagram in memory of his mother.
"Opera diva, singing teacher, musical theater director, corporate director, wife, mother... and much more for many... That's how easily you left. And it was goodbye to a legend. But more than a legend you were my mother .My coach, my belief, my confidant, my friend, my greatest cheerleader. While you were going I could see so much peace and that's why I have to be happy.
"But you are never gone. I will miss you and I will always carry your spirit within me. I will never forget everything you and dad taught me and it will remain in my heart forever. I am because of you. I will never forget it. How could I?" You taught me everything. I love you so much..." Ashley wrote alongside her photo.
Considered India's only opera diva, Celia is also survived by her daughters Deirdre Lobo, a vocal coach, and Carolyn Vincent, a philanthropist.
Born in 1937, the artist was raised by the Baptista, a family of musicians steeped in operatic traditions. In the 1960s, he joined the Bombay Madrigal Singers Organization (BMSO), which performed operas in Mumbai.
He continued his studies at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London and subsequently worked with the BMSO once he returned to India.
At BMSO, Celia played the female lead in Giacomo Puccini's "Tosca", Gaetano Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor", Giuseppe Verdi's "La Traviata" and "Rigoletto" and Vincenzo Bellini's "Norma".
After the closure of BMSO, Celia ventured into writing, directing and vocal training. Singers Sunidhi Chauhan, Shweta Shetty, Sunita Rao, Neeti Mohan and choreographer Shiamak Davar are some of her illustrious students.
She also directed plays and musicals and performed concerts in Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
In addition to being an accomplished musician, Celia also worked as a corporate executive.
