Meherli Mistry, who was recently removed from the board of Tata Trusts, has now stepped down from another prominent role the governing council of Mumbai’s National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA). According to people familiar with the matter, this marks his second major exit in a short span, signalling a clear reduction in his responsibilities across institutions linked to the Tata group.
Mistry has been replaced on the NCPA council by Vijay Singh, a trustee of Tata Trusts. His departure comes at a time when the Trusts are going through significant internal restructuring and a reshaping of senior leadership roles.
Long Association That Fades
Mistry served on the NCPA board as a nominee of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. Within the council, he worked closely with other Tata Trusts representatives, including Jehangir H. Jehangir and Pramit Jhaveri. Stepping away from NCPA soon after his removal from the Tata Trusts board highlights how rapidly his institutional roles are narrowing.
For decades, Mistry was seen as an important link in the Tata philanthropic ecosystem and a long-time associate of Ratan Tata. His diminishing presence across key organisations has therefore drawn attention within corporate and philanthropic circles.
Prestigious Cultural Institution
Founded in 1969 on the initiative of J.R.D. Tata, the NCPA is regarded as one of India’s most respected cultural centres. Since its formal opening in 1970, it has played a major role in nurturing Indian music, dance, theatre and performing arts. The governing body includes prominent names such as chairman K.N. Suntook, vice-chairman Noel Tata, Brinda Kathau and several nominees from the Maharashtra government. Mistry’s exit from such a high-profile board underscores the scale of change underway.
Why Mistry Was Removed From Tata Trusts?
According to reports, Meherli Mistry was removed from the board of Tata Trusts because some trustees opposed his reappointment. This group reportedly included Noel Tata, Vijay Singh and Venu Srinivasan. After the decision, Mistry chose to step away from the Trusts entirely.
The Tata Trusts hold a majority stake in Tata Sons, and any shifts in their leadership often influence the group’s larger direction. Mistry’s removal therefore became a major talking point, especially given his long tenure and close working relationship with Ratan Tata.
One Exit After Another
This is not the only role he has relinquished. After changes within Tata Trusts, Mistry also resigned from the board of the Small Animal Hospital Trust a veterinary hospital project personally supported by Ratan Tata. He had stated then that remaining on the board would not be appropriate now that he was no longer part of the Trusts.
Leaving the NCPA council now marks the third major position he has given up in recent months.
Major Changes In Tata Trusts After Passing Of Ratan Tata
Major structural changes began within the Tata Trusts after the passing of Ratan Tata. With Noel Tata taking over as chairman, trustee responsibilities and organisational structures were revised. In this reshuffling, Mistry’s reappointment was halted, ending a long chapter of his involvement despite years of service and deep personal ties to Tata leadership.
End Of An Era
For decades, Meherli Mistry played a significant role in the philanthropic and institutional initiatives of the Tata group. But stepping down from three major positions in quick succession signals what many describe as the near-complete end of his association with the Tata ecosystem a quiet conclusion to a long and influential innings.
