Ratan Tata’s close associate Mehli Mistry resigns from NCPA board, had left Tata Trusts due to differences with Noel Tata

Mehli Mistry’s reappointment to the Tata Trusts board was recently rejected by most members.

New Delhi: Mehli Mistry, who recently exited the board of Tata Trusts, has now also resigned from the governing council of Mumbai’s prestigious art centre, the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA).

Sources told Moneycontrol that Mistry has been replaced by Vijay Singh, a trustee of Tata Trusts. Mistry was the nominee of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust at the art center and worked alongside other representatives of the Trusts, such as Jehangir H. Jehangir and Pramit Jhaveri.

Mistry’s departure from Tata Group-affiliated institutions

Mistry’s resignation comes shortly after his exit from Tata Trusts. Other members of the NCPA Council include N. Suntook (Chairman), Noel Tata (Vice Chairman), Brinda Khatau, and a nominee of the Maharashtra government. Mistry was appointed as the nominee of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. Sources said that Mistry’s resignation completes his departure from institutions associated with the Tata Group.

NCPA was built on JRD Tata’s initiative

The NCPA in Mumbai was established in 1969 on the initiative of JRD Tata. It was built with the support of Tata Trusts and leading patrons of the arts. It was inaugurated in 1970. It is a world-class multi-venue performing arts complex that promotes and preserves India’s cultural traditions. It hosts global theatre, music, and dance productions. Today, it is one of India’s most prestigious cultural institutions.

Had resigned from Tata Trusts last month

Mehli Mistry, a close associate of Ratan Tata, had resigned from three trusts of the Tata Trusts last month. These included the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, and the Bai Hirabai J.N. Tata Navsari Charitable Institution Trust. He had informed about this in a letter dated November 4. Recently, a vote was held regarding Mistry’s reappointment to one of Tata Trusts’ principal charitable arms. Three trustees—Noel Tata, Venu Srinivasan, and Vijay Singh—voted against his reappointment. Mistry’s term was set to expire on October 28.

Mehli Mistry had filed a caveat with the Charity Commissioner

Mehli Mistry’s reappointment to the Tata Trusts board was recently rejected by most members. He had filed a caveat with the Charity Commissioner in Mumbai. Through this, he has asked to be heard before any final decision is made about changes to the Trusts. Mistry, who is also the executor of Ratan Tata’s will, has sent copies of the caveat to all trustees of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Sir Ratan Tata Trust, and the Bai Hirabai Jamsetji Navsari Charitable Institution. This includes chairman Noel Tata, who is married to Aloo Mistry, Ratan Tata’s first cousin.