Veteran actress and singer Ila Arun talks about her artistic journey, her new play, and the challenges women face in society through her powerful storytelling.
Ila Arun, known for her distinctive voice and versatile roles across theatre, films, and music, continues to captivate audiences with her latest work. At 70, this veteran artist is still going strong, taking on roles that speak to her passion for addressing social issues. Recently, she has been in the limelight for her teleplay Pichh Karti Parchaiyaan, a Hindi adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s 150-year-old play Ghost. This play tackles the struggles of women in a traditional society, a theme close to Ila’s heart.
From Cinema to Folk Music to Theatre: Ila Arun’s Artistic Journey
Ila Arun’s career began in the world of cinema. She took on varied roles in films and quickly gained recognition for her bold and unique choices. But it wasn’t long before she transitioned into the realm of folk music, a genre she was deeply passionate about. Ila believed that music was integral to her artistic expression, and this belief led her to weave music into her performances across different mediums.
“Music has always been close to my heart, and I’ve always found ways to incorporate it into my work,” Ila shares. “After making a mark in cinema, I was drawn to theatre, where I found a platform to express not only my artistic abilities but also to address societal issues.”
Her commitment to art and society remains a central theme in her work, and this is evident in her new play Pichh Karti Parchaiyaan, which sheds light on the societal pressures faced by women.
Ila Arun’s Unwavering Commitment to Meaningful Roles
Even after decades in the entertainment industry, Ila Arun has never been one to chase after glamorous or lead roles. For her, the substance of a character is far more important than its screen time. She has portrayed a variety of roles in films and theatre, and each one of them has had an impact.
“I don’t care whether the role is big or small. What matters to me is that it should have something special to offer,” Ila says. “For instance, in Hadddi, I was the only female character, and yet, the role resonated with audiences. Similarly, my portrayal of Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s mother in Raat Akeli Hai was appreciated for its depth, despite being a supporting role.”
Ila attributes her deep understanding of character portrayal to her early experiences in films like Mandi, Trikal, and Sooraj Ka Satvaan Ghoda with acclaimed director Shyam Benegal. “Shyam Babu taught me that every role, no matter how small, must be performed with sincerity and heart,” she reflects.
Bringing Pichh Karti Parchaiyaan to Life: A Story of Women’s Struggles
Ila Arun’s latest play, Pichh Karti Parchaiyaan, is an adaptation of Ibsen’s Ghost, but with a distinctively Indian touch. Set against the cultural backdrop of Rajasthan, Ila has adapted the play to highlight the struggles and traditions that affect the status of women in the region.
“This play was written 150 years ago, and yet, its relevance is undiminished,” Ila explains. “I chose to set the story in Rajasthan because the traditions there still affect women deeply. The story touches on how women are often trapped by societal expectations, and I wanted the audience to connect with this reality.”
The adaptation process was not without its challenges. Ila had to ensure that the emotions and core message of the original play remained intact while incorporating the local culture. “It wasn’t easy, but I did extensive research on Rajasthan’s traditions and spoke to many local people to understand their experiences,” Ila reveals. “Incorporating these elements made the play more impactful and relatable for the audience.”
Teleplays: A New Platform for Wider Reach
Pichh Karti Parchaiyaan has been transformed into a teleplay for Zee Theatre, making it accessible to a broader audience. Initially, Ila was unsure about this transition from live theatre to a recorded format.
“I had my doubts at first,” she admits. “Live theatre has an energy that’s hard to replicate on screen. I was worried that we might lose that essence. But the team at Zee Theatre handled it with care, and they stayed true to the integrity of the play. Now, I see teleplays as a way to bring theatre to people who might not have access to live performances.”
Through this teleplay, Ila hopes to spark conversations around women’s empowerment. “The play talks about women’s freedom and the challenges they face in breaking free from traditional societal norms. Even after centuries, these issues are still relevant. I want the audience to think about how society’s mindset holds women back and how they can fight for their rights.”
Reflecting on 150 Years of Ghost: Why It’s Still Relevant Today
The themes in Ghost, written over a century ago, continue to resonate with modern audiences. For Ila Arun, this relevance speaks volumes about the persistent issues women face across generations.
“Even though it’s been 150 years since the original play was written, the core issues remain the same. Women are still grappling with societal expectations, especially in conservative settings like Rajasthan,” Ila says. “That’s why I felt so strongly about setting the play in Rajasthan. It mirrors the real-life struggles women face even today.”
By blending Ibsen’s timeless narrative with the cultural nuances of Rajasthan, Ila has crafted a play that is both a tribute to the original and a fresh take on women’s rights in the 21st century.
Ila Arun’s Legacy: Art as a Tool for Social Change
Throughout her career, Ila Arun has used her art as a means to address social issues. From theatre to cinema, her roles have always carried a deeper meaning. Her commitment to portraying strong, socially relevant characters has earned her respect and admiration from audiences and peers alike.
As she continues to break new ground with her work, it’s clear that Ila Arun’s legacy will be one of passion, purpose, and the unwavering belief that art can be a powerful tool for change.
