17 January,2026 07:55 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar
(From left) Moments from a production of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, featuring Frazan Adil Kotwal as Nick Bottom (in beard and mask). Pics Courtesy/Frazan Adil Kotwal
Every time someone talks about opera, flashes of Elmer Fudd chasing Bugs Bunny to the arias of Richard Wagner flash through this writer's brain. "Even I had little idea about opera in my teenage years," admits Frazan Adil Kotwal. The city-born baritone is in town ahead of his debut performance, From Dawn to Dream, on January 21. Presented by Avid Learning in collaboration with the Consulate General of Germany in Mumbai, Royal Opera House, Mumbai, Steinway and Sons, and Furtados, the concert marks a milestone for the singer who began his journey from this city.
Till 2012, Kotwal was just another student enjoying life in Mumbai. Having enrolled for his Bachelors in Mass Media and Journalism degree in Jai Hind College, his choice of music was more Bollywood than Beethoven. "I was very much part of the festival circuit. I would help out, and also participate as a singer at the festivals," he admits.
Kotwal's interest in opera was sparked by an accidental discovery. "It was in 2012 when I attended a production at the National Centre of Performing Arts (NCPA). I had never seen anyone sing with such energy. It was my introduction to opera," he reveals.
Though he was curious, Kotwal did not know where to learn the form. "Opera is a niche art. There are few singers in India who are qualified to teach it," he shares. Having never learnt music professionally, Kotwal turned to the internet for help. "I simply Googled âHow to sing opera', and started taking YouTube lessons," he laughs. It was never easy, and often involved a lot of learning and unlearning. Evenings after college would be spent imitating performances, and voice techniques in his room. The decision might have been silly, but it reaffirmed his desire to pursue the art form.
Easier said than done. After several auditions, he was approved by the State University of Music and Performing Arts at Stuttgart, Germany. "Most people who pursue opera, or even a Bachelor's degree in music in Europe, have been training for it since their early years," the former Sewri resident admits.
Opera is far more than just singing. At Stuttgart, Kotwal trained in movement, waltz, singing, musicology, history of music and theory, piano, acting, and even sword fighting. "It is an acting performance on stage. You have to understand your body, its movement, and rhythm, all the while singing. Don Giovanni involves three-hours of singing, sword-fighting, acting, dancing, and eventually dying," he laughs.
Despite the challenge, it was the passion that kept him going, he shares. "They say it takes a village, and I was fortunate to have support. It is a matter of pride that young singers can watch me on stage, an Indian boy, perform Mozart's The Count, and be inspired," the 32-year-old admits.
As he performs alongside Nadine Jo Crasto on the stage of the Royal Opera House, Kotwal will make that transition from the awed youngster to the returning prodigy.
ON January 21; 7 pm
AT The Royal Opera House, Charni Road East, Girgaon.
LOG ON TO royaloperahouse.in (to RSVP)
ENTRY FREE
