Minoo Golvala – Mumbai-born opera singer, who was also known as the ‘Mario Lanza of Bombay’, passed away in London on 19th January, 2024, at the age of 88 years, after a prolonged illness.

Born in 1936 into a Parsi family, Golvala studied at St Xavier’s College and used to sing for the Times and Talent Club, which later sponsored his onward music education in Italy. He was awarded a scholarship to the Conservatory in Rome, at age 18. He continued his training at London’s prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, under the legendary Welsh tenor, Parry-Jones.

In February, 1965, Golvala performed in a show organised in Mumbai, by noted accordionist Goody Seervai, along with the Time and Talents Club. He went on to appear in a number of British TV shows. He had sung at the Royal Opera House and toured with the Glyndebourne Touring Company for the musical version of the 1973 program, ‘Two Gentlemen Of Verona’.

In 2015, Minoo Golvala published ‘Bitter Strawberries: A Memoir’, which was a fascinating account of the difficulties growing up as part of an ethnic minority in India during the British Raj. He vividly portrayed his life in scenes, from childhood to maturity, as he embarked on life’s precarious journey to achieve his dreams.