- Recognized as Top 3 World’s Best Hotel Brands for 2024 by Travel + Leisure USA
- Partners with Ricky Kej, celebrates Guinness Record-Setting Indian National Anthem Rendition
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts recently celebrated a significant milestone, reinforcing its position as an embodiment of Indian Exceptionalism. Recognized among the Top 3 World’s Best Hotel Brands for 2024 by the esteemed readers of Travel + Leisure USA, this accolade marks the fourth consecutive year of this honor since 2020. The recognition is a testament to Leela’s unwavering dedication to service excellence and its commitment to celebrating Indian provenance.
To celebrate this milestone and uphold its experiential-first approach, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts partnered with the illustrious Ricky Kej, a 3X Grammy® Award Winner and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador. Ricky Kej’s exceptional musical talent and dedication to Indian art forms align perfectly with The Leela’s values. During the event, he unveiled a groundbreaking new rendition of the Indian National Anthem, an endeavour that has set a Guinness World Record.
Ricky Kej, accompanied by virtuoso musicians, presented an extraordinary audio-visual spectacle that offered immersive experiences and celebrated the rich cultural tapestry of India. He was joined by artists such as Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Bansuri Maestro and Padma Vibhushan winner; Rakesh Chaurasia, Bansuri Maestro and Grammy® Award Winner; Rahul Sharma, Santoor Maestro; Sheik Mahaboob Subhani & Kaleeshabi Mahaboob, Nadaswaram Maestros and Padma Shri winners; Jayanthi Kumaresh, Veena Maestro; and Giridhar Udupa, leading Carnatic percussionist. Also joining him for this record breaking performance were Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, Icons of India by The Leela, sons and disciples of the sarod icon, Amjad Ali Khanand.
Commenting on the occasion the 3X Grammy®-Award Winner said “Being able to celebrate this great honor with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is truly special. The Leela is a brand that embodies the essence of Indian exceptionalism, showcasing everything that is rare and beautiful about our country. I resonate with the brand’s commitment to highlight our rich heritage, diverse culture, and the unique contributions India has made to the world. It is an honor to partner with such an iconic brand to celebrate the unity and diversity of India.”
This monumental project, recorded with the largest ever orchestra to perform the Indian National Anthem, featured a 14,000-member tribal children’s choir. Through this, Ricky established a powerful symbol of unity and national pride. The awe-inspiring choir performed at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences in Bhubaneswar, a collaboration made possible with the support of Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, which provides free education, accommodation, food, and healthcare to over 30,000 indigenous tribal students at their campus.
Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, commented on this achievement: “At The Leela, we strive to create authentic, unparalleled luxury experiences that embody the essence of Indian hospitality for global travellers. The recognition from Travel + Leisure and our collaboration with Ricky Kej further strengthen our dedication to excellence and innovation in the ever-evolving luxury hospitality landscape. This award is not just a recognition of our commitment but a celebration of our journey towards setting new standards in the luxury hospitality industry. Our pursuit of exceptionalism extends beyond our guest experiences to the distinguished personalities we associate with, reinforcing our brand’s ethos. We remain committed to curating immersive and meaningful experiences that resonate deeply with our guests.”
The 3X Grammy® Award Winner also roped in renowned VR filmmaker Sairam Sagiraju and developers Krishnaprasad Jagadish and Raksha Rao to create a Virtual Reality version of this project. For the first time, music lovers and tech enthusiasts can immerse themselves into a VR experience of our Indian National Anthem. This state-of-the-art mixed reality journey will transport viewers directly into the studios where musical legends perform, allowing for an unparalleled level of interaction and engagement. The Leela embodies true Indian hospitality and strives to celebrate the country’s traditions, art, cuisine, and culture while focusing on experiential and conscious luxury through its signature programmes and initiatives. As the brand embraces its growth trajectory, it remains rooted in its ethos of “Atithi Devo Bhava – Guest is God.”
