"It has all emotions like love triangle, hate, tragedy, jealousy combined with western classical music," smiles Khushroo.

Of the various art and classical forms that have emerged from the West, there is nothing quite like an opera. It is a unique combination of narration, music and play in the most extravagant and paradoxical ways.

While plays and stand-ups have one set of entertainment to it, opera on the other hand is a sung piece in contrast to a play with songs.

Khushroo Suntook, Chairman of the National Centre for the Performing Art (NCPA) - the hub for cultural activities - recalls that music enthusiasts in the city performed operas during the 60s with one or two celebrities.

And the Royal Opera House was the building to have brought opera to the city owning to its huge orchestra pit. "The area can accommodate a huge number of musicians. So we thought of taking advantage of it," says Khushroo.

And having attracted enthusiasts for its melody, there is a lot that goes into the making of one.  The NCPA's initiative of opera shows has everything manufactured in India except the vocalists.

"Costumes and sets are from India including the Indian chorus in orchestra. It can be in simpler form with good singers and fine orchestra. Sets are becoming more modern and simpler, aesthetic value is more important than lavish.”

Laden with huge orchestra, costumes and lights the musical opera is a big financial affair. "We produce singers and players, but eventually they have to go abroad because there is no strong platform for them," says Khushroo.

With the emerging trend of western classical music in the city, NCPA also formed the Symphony Orchestra with Indian chorus. And having organised four successful operas, the chairman likens it to Bollywood movies.

"It has all emotions like love triangle, hate, tragedy, jealousy combined with western classical music," smiles Khushroo.

And the music lover is quick to inform that this form of music not only has adult takers but children as well.

"The city has great western music lovers, it is very popular among children nowadays. The audience is not restricted to Parsi and Christian anymore. Music lovers from all walks of life are interested in watching opera, even foreigners come," he laughs.

Now, the stage opera has got a place in city's extravagant weddings too. Pianist Neil Simon James of music company Nostalgia - who has been organising operas at weddings - informs that more than 50 artists are used.

"We get artists from India a well as Europe and England. These are the high end music lovers who want to put opera in their wedding, otherwise this is an expensive affair that can cost up to Rs 65 lakhs," Neil concludes.