The Leela unveils Melodies by The Leela to celebrate Indian luxury through music

The Leela has introduced Melodies by The Leela, a new sonic identity designed to celebrate India’s artistic heritage and strengthen the luxury hospitality brand’s connection with music and culture as it marks four decades of True Indian Luxury.

The new platform makes music an extension of The Leela’s established sensory identity, which has been shaped over the years through Indian architecture, craftsmanship, cuisine, wellness and hospitality.

The launch coincides with the release of A Living Raga, a 14-track commemorative album composed exclusively for The Leela by Grammy-winning, seventh-generation sarod maestros Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash.

A Living Raga celebrates four decades of The Leela

The album draws inspiration from the warmth, grace and philosophy of Atithi Devo Bhava, while presenting Indian classical traditions through a contemporary musical expression.

Produced in collaboration with creative partners Karsh Kale and Sawan Dutta, the album features several acclaimed musicians, including Rajesh Prasanna on flute, Ahaana Ali on sarangi, Gopal Dayal on shehnai and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.

The album received its first listening at The Leela Palace New Delhi on August 7, attended by prominent personalities including Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Subhalakshmi Khan, Vijay Amritraj, Falguni Shane Peacock, Amitabh Kant, Suresh and Priyanka Raina, and Shereen Bhan.

Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO and Whole-time Director of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, said the new sonic identity brings together the brand’s longstanding musical collaborations while creating a distinctive expression of its cultural philosophy.

He added that A Living Raga represents the first chapter of a wider journey focused on preserving India’s artistic heritage while presenting it in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences.

Longstanding collaboration with Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash

Music has been part of The Leela guest experience for more than 15 years. The brand has previously worked with Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash on original compositions used across its hotels and public spaces.

The musicians said their collaboration with The Leela has developed over more than 15 years around a shared belief in experiencing culture through emotion. They described A Living Raga as an opportunity to celebrate India's musical traditions while creating a distinctive sonic expression for the hospitality brand.

Under Melodies by The Leela, the company plans to expand its musical identity through original compositions, destination-inspired collections and collaborations with artists.

Music and cuisine combine at anniversary celebration

The launch event also featured a commemorative menu celebrating four decades of The Leela’s culinary heritage.

The menu traced the brand’s journey through regional Indian flavours inspired by its destinations, including Malvani influences representing its beginnings in Mumbai, alongside interpretations of Karnataka and other regional cuisines.

The combination of music and cuisine reflected The Leela’s broader approach to showcasing India’s cultural diversity through luxury hospitality experiences.

Limited-edition vinyl introduced

As part of the launch, The Leela also unveiled a limited-edition collector’s vinyl of A Living Raga.

Designed for collectors and music enthusiasts, the vinyl emphasises the traditional analogue listening experience, with bespoke artwork and tactile production intended to reflect the brand’s focus on craftsmanship and timeless luxury.

With Melodies by The Leela, the hospitality brand is expanding its cultural expression beyond physical spaces and into sound. Beginning with A Living Raga, the platform is expected to evolve through new compositions, artistic collaborations and destination-inspired musical projects, further connecting contemporary luxury with India’s rich cultural heritage.