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Born in March 1954 in Jodhpur, singer-actress Ila Arun started with humble beginnings in the folk-rich landscape of Rajasthan. With her powerful voice, she set the tone for unconventional singing and ruled myriad hearts by becoming a national singer, actress and TV personality. Some of her popular numbers are Vote For Ghaghra, Choli Ke Peechey, Morni Baagha Ma, Vote For Ghaghra, and the Oscar winning Ringa Ringa.
In her candid memoir Pardey Ke Peechey-An autobiography as told to Anjula Bedi, released by Penguin India, the versatile singer bares unvarnished truths of her career in the entertainment industry. The book gives glimpses into her path to success fraught with peril, and the trials, triumphs and tribulations faced by women behind the glitz of the industry.
Excerpts from an interview:
What was your inspiration behind this candid memoir Pardey Ke Peechhey?
People told me that I should share my experiences of being in the industry for 42 years and dealing with different screens. Be it any celebrity, everyone likes to read about their life. I thought, I may not be worth it, but my experiences and the people who have inspired me are definitely worth it. I thank Penguin, especially Miley for this book, and I encourage everyone to read the book, grasp it, live with it and get inspired. The narrative takes you to places you have not been.
Can you share some glimpses of the book?
The book talks about my behind the scene experiences on stage, backstage and in the wings. Now, it’s is upto the reader to understand which experience they to relish and make it as a learning lesson. The idea of writing this book in English was that I also have the young generation with me dancing on the stage, in theatre and reality shows, believing in my words and taking guidance from me. For them, it is an indirect experience of my direct experiences.
What do you recall about your childhood years in Jaipur?
My father had three brothers, and we were seven sisters in all – five in Jaipur and two in Jodhpur. My mother was very progressive and inculcated the right middle class values in us. She read a lot and wanted us to read literature and learn art. She gave us the space to grow, have our own mind and everybody indulged in it. Her sayings have helped us, as all my sisters are well educated.
How did your professional journey start in the entertainment industry?
As a child, I participated in theatre and extra-curricular activities and that shaped my personality. I was noticed by the Sangeet Academy and received scholarship for learning drama at National School of Drama. I am a firm believer that when opportunity knocks, you should not hesitate. I had the passion for Rajasthani folk music and started singing with the tribals, and soon it became my profession. Shyam Benegal gave me a break in Mandi, after which I did a folk song in Aghaat that was recreated by Jagjit Singh. I gained popularity in Bollywood with Morini baagha ma.
What were your biggest challenges in the music industry?
I have a heavy and husky voice that does not suit the heroine. If you don’t sing for the heroine, you get to do other singing for specialised or item numbers as the industry is always looking for something new. That worked fantastic for me as I got good offers and I accepted them all. I have worked with top music directors–Laxmikant Pyarelal, RD Burman, AR Rahman, Rajesh Roshan, etc.
You transformed folk music into a powerful anthem for women empowerment.
Folk music is the strength of our country. I once participated in a music event at Tal Katora Garden where I experienced real folk music and interacted with the musicians. After that, I released my first single album Vote for Ghaghra with nine songs – all of which I had learnt from the artistes. The album was a Rajasthani rap and became an anthem for women empowerment.
Tell us about your acting performances in Bollywood.
An actor is always looking for challenging roles. Even if it’s a small role, I see how it is contributing to the film. For Jodha Akbar, Ashutosh told me it’s a negative role. But then, Mahamanga was a very powerful character in history. Welcome to Sajjanpur was the most popular film I did, and Begum Jaan was at heart of kotha life. My TV shows like Discovery of India by Shyam Benegal gave me the scope of playing roles of historical legends. And Yatra, Samvidhan and Tamas satisfied the actor inside me. Bharat Ek Khoj gave me the role of Gandhari. All my roles have been good and portrayed different sections of women.
Looking back, what are you most proud of in your journey?
I am basically like a child who wants to keep on learning and performing. My music albums, lyrics, singing have been greatly accepted by the audience, and I am proud of my adaptations. Right now, I am proud of this book which is from the core of my heart. It’s a way of telling a story to touch the younger generation and make them value my journey. There are stories within stories and it promises to inspire you.
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