Spanning five decades, Ila Arun’s career in theatre, film and music has been marked by her ability to break stereotypes and amplify women’s voices. As she launched her autobiography Parde Ke Peechey here in Hyderabad, The Pioneer got in touch with her as she speaks of the emotional moment of launching it at the ‘Razia Baig Series’ and more insights on the book
Tejal Sinha
An actor, singer and what not! Ila Arun’s illustrious career, spanning over five decades, has made her one of the most iconic figures in India’s cultural landscape. With a commanding presence on stage, a distinctive voice that resonates across genres, and an unwavering determination to challenge norms, Ila has redefined the boundaries of theater and music. In her deeply personal and reflective autobiography, ‘Parde Ke Peechhey’, she invites readers into the heart of her extraordinary journey. From the struggles she faced to the triumphs she celebrated, Ila’s story is a testament to her relentless passion for the arts and her dedication to breaking barriers along the way.
The book launch, held as part of the Remembering Razia Baig series, was a deeply emotional event for Ila. Razia Baig, a figure known for her dedication to education and cultural empowerment, held a special place in Ila’s heart. Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Ila shared, “This series is such a heartfelt tribute to Razia Baig Sahiba. She was a self-made woman, a homemaker, yet a pillar of support for teachers and education. Launching my autobiography as the first event in her memory was deeply touching. She had always supported my plays, and I’m certain she would have been proud of this book.” Ila added, “Razia Baig was a great supporter of theatre and a backbone for her husband’s initiatives. ‘Parde Ke Peechhey’ is my book about my journey around the theatres, and getting it launched here couldn’t have been a better opportunity to remember her. From watching my plays to my book being launched in her memory, it’s such an honor.”
The decision to write Parde Ke Peechhey was not one that Ila took lightly. Over the years, she had been approached multiple times to share her story, as publishers often seek motivational tales of overcoming adversity and building a legacy. Ila reflected on the offer: “Publishers are always looking for stories that resonate with people – whether from cricketers, writers, or entertainers. They want to know how someone pursued their dreams, overcame challenges, and built a legacy. For years, I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to take this on, but eventually, I realised my journey could inspire a wide audience.”
For Ila, the book is not just a recounting of her life but a message for dreamers of all ages. “Whether it’s young girls just starting out, teenagers looking for guidance, or older generations who’ve followed my career, this book is for everyone. It’s a reminder that no matter where you come from, dreams are achievable if pursued with dedication and honesty.”
The book also sheds light on the societal hurdles Ila faced as a young woman in theater. “When I started, theater wasn’t a respectable career, especially for women,” she recalled. “My family didn’t fully support it, and financial constraints were always a challenge. But I refused to give up. My love for the stage and my passion for storytelling kept me going.” She added that her mother had been her biggest support throughout this journey. Ila also shared the significance behind the title ‘Parde Ke Peechey’, revealing that while some suggested a more commercially appealing title like ‘Choli Ke Peechey’, her intention was far more symbolic. Ila chose ‘Parde Ke Peechey’ as a tribute to the iconic velvet curtains that have defined her theatrical journey. For the unaware, ‘Choli Ke Peeche’ is the renowned song Ila Arun sings for the film Khalnayak. She explained that the title was meant as a tribute to the “velvet curtains” of the theater, which have always been an integral part of her journey in the world of performing arts.
A key theme of ‘Parde Ke Peechhey’ is the role of teachers and mentors in shaping Ila’s life. She speaks fondly of those who have guided her along the way. “From the beginning, my path has been closely linked with teachers. Whether they were mentors in music, theater, or life itself, they helped me become who I am today. Teachers have the power to transform lives, and I wanted to honour them in my story.”
Ila’s collaboration with Anjula Bedi, who co-wrote the book, was also an important part of this process. “I write in Hindi, but the autobiography is in English. Anjali has been a long-time collaborator, and she ensured that the language captured my voice authentically. She’s been a part of my theater family and understands me deeply, which made her the perfect choice to help bring my story to life.” Reflecting on her career, Ila shared that her work in theater, television, and film has been transformative. “I started with plays like Mandi in Boondi and Sushman in Pochampalli. Later, I moved to films and television, working with directors like Rajkumar Santoshi on The Legend of Bhagat Singh. Each experience enriched me as an artist,” she said. Her collaborations with legends like Shabana Azmi and Sunny Deol have been particularly special to her. “Working with Shabana has been a joy. We share a close bond, and I’ve always admired her craft,” Ila shared. She also recalled the deep emotional impact of the recent loss of her teacher and guide. “My last meeting with him, where I wished him on his anniversary, is one of the golden moments of my life.”
A consistent thread in Ila’s work has been her focus on amplifying women’s voices. “All my plays center on women’s stories because they resonate deeply with me. Women play so many roles-mother, daughter, wife, friend-and I’ve tried to bring those complexities to life on stage. Through my work, I’ve always sought to give a voice to their struggles and triumphs,” she explained.
Writing ‘Parde Ke Peechhey’ was not without its challenges, and Ila was determined to be honest and unfiltered in her storytelling. “I didn’t want to romanticize my struggles or manipulate the narrative. Life is a mix of joy, sorrow, failure, and success, and I wanted to show all of it. Some people advised me to present only the glamorous aspects of my life, but I felt that would be dishonest,” she said. “My readers deserve the truth, even if it shows my flaws or vulnerabilities.” This commitment to honesty has resonated deeply with readers, who have praised the transparency and approachability of the book. “One of the biggest compliments I’ve received is that the book feels transparent and approachable. People have told me they can hear my voice as they read it, and that’s exactly what I wanted. It’s not just about my achievements; it’s about the journey, the mistakes, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.”
When asked if there was a specific moment from her book that she would like to relive, Ila found it difficult to choose. “There are so many-teasing my mother about not remembering my birthdate, my last meeting with Sombhu Mitra, or even the early days of my career when everything was new and exciting,” she shared. However, she also emphasized the importance of embracing the present. “People often say they want to relive their golden moments, but I believe in living in the moment. Life is full of opportunities, and every moment is a chance to create something meaningful.”
In conclusion, ‘Parde Ke Peechhey’ is much more than an autobiography. It is a celebration of resilience, passion, and authenticity. Through her words, Ila Arun reminds readers of the power of dreams and the importance of staying true to oneself. As she continues to captivate audiences with her art, her book stands as a timeless testament to her remarkable journey-a journey that proves the stage of life is as transformative as any performance.
