MUMBAI: Navaratna (Nine precious gems) album, conceptualized and sung by Ila Paliwal, musically arranged by Ranjit Barot and executive produced by AR Rahman, consists of nine songs based on thousands of years old Indian classical ragaas. Interpreted and rendered with a fresh and bold sensibility, it showcases nine major festivals of India from various regions and religions saluting the secular and festive spirit of India. Immediately after its release, Navaratna became No.1 Best Seller on Amazon and was also appreciated by legendary musicians like Quincy Jones and Padma Vibushan Gaan Saraswati Kishori Amonkar ji. A matter of pride, as Quincy Jones chose the Holi song from the Navaratna album and included it in his 15 best tracks around the world album.

JSW is proud to present Navaratna – a unique global fusion concert. “JSW has been passionately working towards promoting and showcasing artists. We are proud to present Navaratna to the Indian audience and hope that more such performances will be enjoyed by the audience at large to promote music in its truest form,” said Sangita Jindal, Chairperson- JSW Foundation. ILA will be performing Navaratna with Indian and Western Orchestra on 21 October 2016 at the NCPA, Mumbai at 7 pm.

The sentiment echoes with Ila, who has worked tirelessly to create a name for herself across the continents and amongst music stalwarts. “Born in a literary family where music, art and literature were deeply ingrained, I started my musical training at an early age under the tutelage of Late Pandit Sitaram Vyavhare of Gwalior Gharana. Over the years she has had a great fortune to learn from Indian music stalwarts like Smt. Padma Talwalkar ji, Pandit. Raghunandan Panshikar ji and Smt. Arati Ankalikar ji. “Navratna is my tribute to all my Gurus and mentors who have contributed to my learning and shaped me as a singer,” said Ila Paliwal

Ila received Sangeet Praveen (Masters) degree in classical vocal music from Prayag Sangeet Samiti Allahabad. She has performed widely at various multi-cultural venues, most recently being the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York city and at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC along with viola player David Carpenter and his Salome Orchestra. A classically trained Indian vocalist, Ila was invited as guest performer at AR Rahman shows in Los Angeles and San Francisco during his North American Intimate tour in 2015.