Ila Paliwal On Music, Philanthropy, And Expanding Indian Arts Abroad

Ila Paliwal has spent much of her life at the intersection of music and philanthropy, and her latest initiative expands that work onto one of the world’s most visible cultural platforms. She is set to host the Indian Music Festival at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 2027, aimed at presenting Indian music in its full and diverse range on the global stage.

An accomplished vocalist and composer, Ila brings an insider’s understanding of the discipline, history, and evolution of Indian music. She is also on the Board of Trustees at Carnegie Hall. That perspective underpins the Indian Music Festival, which is supported by a $10 million gift from the Ila and Dinesh Paliwal Foundation.

In this interview, Ila discusses the intent behind the festival, how she approaches curating across genres and generations, and how global institutions can engage more meaningfully with cultural traditions. She also reflects on how her own musical background continues to shape her philanthropic priorities.

Ila Paliwal In Conversation With SheThePeople

SheThePeople: How do you envision the Carnegie Hall Indian Music Festival shaping the perception of Indian art and culture on a global stage?

Ila: For a very long time, Indian musicians have appeared on global stages, including Carnegie Hall, but usually as individual performances rather than as part of a larger cultural narrative. What excites me about this festival is the opportunity to present Indian music with the depth, continuity, and institutional presence it truly deserves.

India’s musical heritage is one of the oldest and most sophisticated in the world. It encompasses centuries-old classical traditions as well as contemporary forms that continue to shape global soundscapes. By presenting this spectrum within an iconic cultural institution like Carnegie Hall, we are not only celebrating Indian music but also situating it within the broader global artistic conversation.

I hope that the festival becomes a cultural bridge—one that invites audiences to experience India through its sound, philosophy, and artistic imagination, and in doing so, deepens global appreciation for the richness of its cultural legacy.

SheThePeople: On the Carnegie Hall Board, how do you see your perspective shaping its artistic and cultural initiatives?

Ila: Carnegie Hall has always been a global crossroads for music, and that spirit of cultural dialogue is one of the reasons it remains so influential. As someone who has lived between cultures and been deeply connected to India’s artistic traditions, I hope to contribute a perspective that encourages even broader global representation.

I believe institutions like Carnegie Hall have a unique responsibility—and opportunity—to bring diverse musical traditions into meaningful conversation with one another. When audiences encounter different cultural expressions in a space dedicated to artistic excellence, it expands their understanding of what music can be and where it comes from.

For me, it’s about building bridges—ensuring that the world’s great artistic traditions are celebrated not in isolation, but as part of a shared global cultural landscape

SheThePeople: In what ways has your own musical journey influenced your philanthropic choices?

Ila: Music has been a deeply formative part of my life. I grew up in a home where the arts, literature, and intellectual curiosity were an essential part of everyday life, and that environment shaped how I view culture—not simply as performance, but as a way of understanding the world.

My own journey in music taught me how powerful the arts can be in creating connection and empathy. Music transcends language and geography; it has the ability to bring people together in ways that few other forms of expression can.

That understanding naturally guided my philanthropic work. Supporting the arts, education, and cultural preservation feels like a way of nurturing the creative spirit and ensuring that future generations continue to have access to the richness of these traditions.

SheThePeople: Beyond the festival, what are the core values driving the Ila and Dinesh Paliwal Foundation’s initiatives in arts, education, and climate action?

Ila: The work of our foundation is guided by a belief that culture, knowledge, and environmental stewardship are deeply interconnected. The arts nurture creativity and identity, education empowers individuals and communities, and climate responsibility ensures that we protect the world that sustains us all.

Much of my own artistic work is inspired by nature and by the philosophical traditions that view the Earth as something sacred and interconnected with human life. That perspective naturally extends to our commitment to environmental awareness and sustainability.

Through the foundation, we hope to support initiatives that create meaningful and lasting impact—whether by strengthening cultural institutions, expanding educational opportunities, or contributing to a more sustainable future. Ultimately, it’s about investing in the kind of world we want the next generation to inherit.