The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has launched Melodies by The Leela, a new musical identity created as the Indian luxury hospitality brand celebrates its 40th anniversary.
The initiative extends the company’s use of Indian art, architecture, cuisine and heritage into music, creating a long-term platform for original compositions, collaborations and destination-inspired collections.
The first release under the platform is A Living Raga, a 14-track commemorative album composed exclusively for The Leela by Grammy-winning, seventh-generation sarod musicians Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash.
The collection draws on Indian classical ragas and has been developed around The Leela’s Atithi Devo Bhava, or Guest is God, hospitality philosophy.
Tracks include Ahir Bhairav, Anandi Kalyan, Infinity, Bhopali, Darbari Kanhara, Believe, Goud Malhar, Kamod, Home, Pilu, Saraswati, Journeymen, Shahana and Shankara.
The album was produced in collaboration with Karsh Kale and Sawan Dutta and also features musicians including Rajesh Prasanna on flute, Ahaana Ali on sarangi, Gopal Dayal on shehnai and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.
Music has formed part of The Leela’s guest experience for more than 15 years through its relationship with Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash.
The musicians have previously created original compositions for the hotel group, with their work used within properties and public spaces as part of the brand’s wider sensory experience.
Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO and Whole-time Director, 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.”
The album received its first listening at The Leela Palace New Delhi on 7 August as part of an event marking the group’s four decades in hospitality.
The evening also featured a commemorative menu tracing The Leela’s development through regional Indian dishes connected with destinations across its portfolio.
A limited-edition vinyl version of A Living Raga has also been produced as part of the anniversary programme.
Amaan 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.”
Melodies by The Leela is intended to continue beyond the anniversary through further original compositions, artist collaborations and music inspired by destinations across the hotel group’s portfolio.
A Living Raga is now available to stream through Spotify, Apple Music and The Leela’s website.
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