A Celebration of Indian
Excellence on the Global Stage

 

At The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, we are deeply committed to celebrating India's rich cultural legacy, global influence, and commitment to excellence. Icons of India by The Leela is an exclusive initiative that honors a select group of visionaries whose exceptional achievements inspire the world. These individuals, through their respective fields, embody India's timeless spirit of luxury, artistry, and progress. Their collaboration with The Leela represents a shared dedication to the pursuit of excellence and the celebration of India’s place on the global stage.

Manushi Chhillar

Miss World 2017, Social Advocate, Entrepreneur, and Champion of Women’s Empowerment

Manushi Chhillar is a woman of extraordinary achievements and unwavering determination. Crowned Miss World in 2017, she became a beacon of empowerment for young women worldwide, using her platform to advocate for health, education, and the importance of equal opportunity. A medical doctor by profession, she embodies the harmonious integration of intellect, beauty, and social responsibility. Her work, however, transcends the pageant stage.

Chhillar is a passionate entrepreneur and social advocate. Her commitment to social change has led her to launch multiple initiatives, including the Project Shakti, which aims to uplift and empower women across rural India. Through her ventures, she promotes education, health, and well-being for those in need.

His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh

Polo Captain of The Leela Team, Cultural Custodian, and Global Ambassador

His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur is a living embodiment of India’s royal legacy, seamlessly fusing tradition with modern sophistication. As one of India’s foremost polo players, Maharaja Padmanabh Singh is a celebrated figure in the sport, known for his graceful yet commanding presence on the field. A key member of the prestigious Leela Polo Team, he has won numerous accolades, including the Indian Open Polo Cup, and has cemented his reputation as one of the sport's youngest stars.

His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur is a living embodiment of India’s royal legacy, seamlessly fusing tradition with modern sophistication. As one of India’s foremost polo players, Maharaja Padmanabh Singh is a celebrated figure in the sport, known for his graceful yet commanding presence on the field. A key member of the prestigious Leela Polo Team, he has won numerous accolades, including the Indian Open Polo Cup, and has cemented his reputation as one of the sport's youngest stars.

Smriti Mandhana

World-Renowned Cricketer, Global Icon of Sporting Excellence

Smriti Mandhana is one of the finest cricketers of her generation. With a career marked by record-breaking performances, she is widely recognized as one of the most impactful players in the history of women’s cricket. Mandhana’s accolades include being named the ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year, the prestigious Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award, and the ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2024—making her the first Indian woman to earn the honor twice.

A formidable opening batter, Mandhana has consistently led India’s cricketing charge with poise and determination, contributing to India’s standing as a global cricket powerhouse. As a cultural ambassador for women in sport, she has transcended the boundaries of cricket, becoming an advocate for gender equality, young athletes, and the power of perseverance.

Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash

Masters of the Sarod, Curators of Musical Excellence

Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, sons of the legendary sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, represent the seventh generation of a distinguished musical lineage that has captivated global audiences for over two centuries. As acclaimed performers and custodians of India's classical music tradition, Amaan and Ayaan bring a unique blend of artistry, virtuosity, and innovation to the international stage. Their music transcends cultural boundaries, creating a universal language of harmony and emotion.

Through their collaboration with The Leela, they have brought the soul of Indian classical music into the luxury space, curating Melodies by The Leela—a series of performances that celebrate India’s rich heritage through sound. These intimate concerts, woven into the fabric of The Leela's exceptional experiences, offer guests the rare opportunity to engage with the classical music traditions that have shaped India's cultural identity.

Kailash Satyarthi

Nobel Peace Laureate, Champion for Children’s Rights, and Advocate for Social Justice

Kailash Satyarthi’s life’s work has been a crusade to end child labor and ensure that every child is safe, healthy, educated, and free. A Nobel Peace Laureate, Satyarthi’s relentless fight against child exploitation has led to groundbreaking legislation and the rescue of thousands of children from bonded labor and trafficking. His foundation, the Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation (KSCF), works globally to create child-friendly villages, ensuring that children are protected and given the tools to realize their fullest potential.

Satyarthi’s unwavering commitment to social justice and child welfare has made him one of the most respected global leaders of our time. Through The Leela’s partnership with KSCF, we sponsor the education of children in remote villages, supporting his vision of a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Our collaboration is a reflection of The Leela’s commitment to creating lasting, positive social impact, demonstrating the transformative power of education and advocacy.

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