In a significant cultural event, the acclaimed British pop group Take That will make their debut performance in India as part of the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony on November 17. This will be the sixth edition of the prestigious awards, which aim to spotlight individuals and initiatives dedicated to addressing environmental challenges. The ceremony will take place in Mumbai and is set to feature a lineup of prominent personalities, including Australian conservationist Robert Irwin, as well as actors Rami Malek and Simone Ashley.
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The announcement of Take That’s participation was made on October 26, much to the excitement of fans and environmental advocates alike. Known for their classic hits such as “Back for Good” and “Million Love Songs,” the band expressed their enthusiasm about performing in India for the first time. In a statement, they remarked, “We’ve been lucky enough to perform in some incredible places around the world over the past 35 years, but India is somewhere we’ve always dreamed of bringing our music.”
The band emphasised the significance of the occasion, stating, “To be performing here for the very first time, after all these years, and alongside the extraordinary people creating a better future for our planet – is really special.” They went on to highlight music’s unique ability to unite people, expressing eagerness to share this experience at the Earthshot Prize among a global audience.
Jason Knauf, CEO of the Earthshot Prize, welcomed the group’s involvement, stating, “This year in Mumbai, we’re telling the biggest story in the world.” He described the event as a platform to discuss both the overwhelming environmental issues facing the planet and the remarkable progress being made by innovators, scientists, and activists. Knauf also noted that the 2026 awards would likely be the most exceptional yet, underscoring the major role Take That would play in celebrating those advancing the mission of the Earthshot Prize.
Take That’s performance will come just days before the release of their much-anticipated tenth album, titled *Dreamers*, set to launch on November 20. Their participation underscores the intersection of entertainment and environmental stewardship, highlighting the role of art in promoting awareness about urgent global issues.
Joining Take That for the evening will be Shashwat Sachdev, an Indian composer and music producer who has received national acclaim. Sachdev will curate a spectacular finale for the event, bringing his cultural insights to the celebration of the Earthshot Prize. In sharing his thoughts about the event, he remarked, “So much of my music comes from the land I belong to and the traditions that have been passed down to me. For me, caring for that land is also a way of honouring what I’ve been given.”
He also expressed his commitment to creating a performance that resonates with the essence of his home country, hoping that attendees would feel “the beauty of our land” through his melodies. Sachdev’s music will feature selections from his album *Shades of Cashmere*, which he deems a meaningful tribute to those striving to protect the environment.
The Earthshot Prize has a remarkable history, having been launched by Prince William in 2020 as a response to the pressing environmental crises of our time. It draws inspiration from President John F. Kennedy’s ambitious Moonshot initiative, aiming to motivate collective action and innovation over a decade. Over the course of ten years, five winners per year are awarded a prize of $1.4 million each to enable their environmental projects.
The Mumbai awards ceremony follows previous events held in London, Boston, Singapore, Cape Town, and Rio de Janeiro, all attended by Prince William. This ongoing commitment highlights his passion for environmental sustainability and the importance of initiatives that seek to regenerate our planet.
The awards evening will be hosted by Karan Johar, a prominent Indian filmmaker, who praised Prince William’s unwavering dedication to climate change advocacy. Johar described the royal’s efforts as “infectious,” acknowledging the difference that his stature and influence can make in global discussions surrounding environmental issues.
As the Earthshot Prize prepares for its grand ceremony in Mumbai, the combination of music, celebrity involvement, and meaningful dialogue on environmental preservation promises to create an unforgettable evening. The collaboration between iconic artists and the delivery of critical environmental messages reflects a growing recognition of art’s vital role in effecting change and raising awareness about the pressing challenges faced by our planet.