For anyone who enjoys Indian classical music, the names Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash carry much weight. As sons and disciples of the legendary sarod icon, Amjad Ali Khan, the duo represents the seventh generation of a musical lineage. Recently, we had the privilege to witness their magic at the ‘Icons of India’ initiative by The Leela Palace Chennai, where the brothers performed a private concert for an intimate gathering. Our biggest takeaway from the phenomenal evening? To watch Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash live is to experience the richness and uniqueness of their craft, which has been preserved and passed down over generations.

Strings of Magic

On 1st September 2023, The Leela Palace Chennai celebrated its ‘Icons of India’ initiative by hosting a very special musical evening. Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash took to the stage, sharing not only their musical masterpieces but also snippets from their life and experiences. They opened up about how Chennai was close to their hearts. The master sarodists proceeded to perform a diverse range of pieces over the course of the evening, sharing the inspiration behind each with the captivated members of the audience. By the end of the concert, we were all on our feet, expressing our awe and admiration for the musical brilliance we had just witnessed.

KM Chengappa, Vice President and General Manager, The Leela Palace Chennai, shared, “The Leela is a true reflection of India’s culture and heritage that celebrates art and music in its truest form. Music goes beyond, travels, and touches the hearts of people across the globe. It was an honour to host this private concert with the sarod virtuosos Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash. The duo is also the curator of the melodies played at our palace and to have them perform live was indeed a momentous occasion.”

Icons of India

Icons of India by The Leela is an endeavour aimed at acknowledging and nurturing India’s essence and its inherent opulence by honouring some of India’s most distinguished individuals and artists. In 2021, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts introduced this initiative for the first time in Bengaluru, marked by a private concert performed by the renowned duo, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash. Icons of India by The Leela also features eminent personalities such as Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, former Miss World and Bollywood actor Manushi Chhillar, and Indian women cricketer Smriti Mandhana. The program is a celebration of India’s cultural richness, while also curating meaningful experiences designed to enrich, engage, and inspire the guests of the hotel.