A projection display apparatus includes: a red imager; a green imager; a blue imager; a polarization adjusting element; a color combining unit; and a controller. A superimposed component light enters the polarization adjusting element together with the fourth color component light. The polarization adjusting element transmits the superimposed component light, whereas transmitting the fourth color component light by adjusting the polarization of the fourth color component light in accordance with switching between a low voltage applied state and a high voltage applied state. The controller controls re-orienting operation of applying a high voltage to the polarization adjusting element.