The Leela Unveils ‘Melodies by The Leela’ to Celebrate Four Decades of True Indian Luxury
As The Leela marks 40 years of True Indian Luxury, the hospitality brand has introduced Melodies by The Leela, its first official sonic identity, adding a new sensory dimension to the guest experience. The initiative reflects the brand’s longstanding commitment to celebrating India’s artistic heritage, extending beyond architecture, cuisine and hospitality into the timeless language of music.
Launching the platform is A Living Raga, an exclusive 14-track commemorative album composed by Grammy-winning, seventh-generation sarod maestros Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, honouring four decades of The Leela’s journey through original music inspired by the philosophy of Atithi Devo Bhava.
A New Sonic Identity Rooted in Indian Heritage
For more than four decades, The Leela has drawn inspiration from India’s rich cultural traditions through its hotels, design, craftsmanship and personalised hospitality. With Melodies by The Leela, the brand introduces an ownable musical identity designed to deepen guests’ emotional connection with its properties.
The inaugural album, A Living Raga, has been produced in collaboration with long-time creative partners Karsh Kaleand Sawan Dutta, while also featuring celebrated musicians Rajesh Prasanna (flute), Ahaana Ali (sarangi), Gopal Dayal (shehnai) and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. Together, the artists present a contemporary interpretation of India’s classical musical traditions while honouring their timeless essence.
A Special Debut in New Delhi
The album received its first listening at The Leela Palace New Delhi on 7 August, attended by distinguished guests including Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Subhalakshmi Khan, Vijay Amritraj, Falguni Shane Peacock, Amitabh Kant, Suresh and Priyanka Raina, and Shereen Bhan, among others.
The evening also featured a specially curated commemorative menu celebrating four decades of The Leela’s culinary journey. Inspired by destinations across India, the menu showcased regional flavours ranging from Malvani cuisine, representing the brand’s beginnings in Mumbai, to interpretations of Karnataka and other regional traditions.
A Celebration of Music and Hospitality
Commenting on the launch, Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO and Whole-time Director of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, said:
“For four decades, The Leela has celebrated India’s cultural richness through architecture, design, art, cuisine and hospitality. Music has always been an integral part of that journey, quietly shaping the emotional connection our guests have with our hotels. With Melodies by The Leela, we are bringing together years of original musical collaborations into a distinctive sonic identity that is uniquely our own. As we celebrate forty years of True Indian Luxury, A Living Raga marks the inaugural chapter of this journey, reflecting our commitment to preserving India’s artistic heritage while presenting it in ways that continue to resonate with contemporary audiences.”
Sharing their thoughts on the collaboration, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash said:
“Our association with The Leela has grown over more than fifteen years through a shared belief that culture is best experienced through emotion. Composing A Living Raga has been an opportunity to celebrate India’s timeless musical traditions while giving expression to The Leela’s vision of a distinctive sonic identity. We are honoured that these years of collaboration now come together under Melodies by The Leela, creating an enduring musical expression for the brand as it celebrates forty years of True Indian Luxury.”
A Musical Journey That Continues
Music has been an integral part of The Leela experience for over 15 years, with the brand commissioning original compositions that have welcomed guests into its hotels and enriched its public spaces. Through Melodies by The Leela, these collaborations now come together under a long-term cultural platform that will continue to evolve through destination-inspired compositions and partnerships with leading artists.
To commemorate the launch, The Leela has also introduced a limited-edition collector’s vinyl of A Living Raga, created for music enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the craftsmanship and ritual of analogue listening.
Following its debut at The Leela Palace New Delhi, A Living Raga is now available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, and The Leela website, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the brand’s celebration of Indian culture through contemporary luxury.
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