I Will Become The ‘Evil Mother-In-Law’ On Television When I Turn Penniless, Says Ila Arun

I Will Become The ‘Evil Mother-In-Law’ On Television When I Turn Penniless, Says Ila Arun

If you are a music lover and have listened to the hit album songs of early 90’s, then chances of you missing numbers like Delhi Seher me Maro Ghagra jo Ghumiyo or Yeh kaisi Jawani hei are remote. Yes, we are talking about the unique Ila Arun whose rendition brought a sensation because of the distinct folk touch. Apart from albums, she gave her voice to chartbusters like Morani Baga ma nache aadhi raatmaa, Choli ke piche kiya hai among other hit songs.

Ila Arun was in the city for the shooting of a music video, ‘Hausla Na Ruthe-Stories Untold’ by noted documentary filmmaker Snehasis Das. The music video is produced and sung by California based vocalist Konark Sarangi. The video deals with a group of women of Gundalba village of the state which was affected by the super cyclone of 1999. While the cyclone had forced the people to leave their natural habitat, this group of women, led by ‘Charu Ma’ showed unprecedented courage to fight with the situation. The efforts of the women resulted in the restoration of flora and fauna in the village. MyCityLinks got an opportunity to interact with the singer-actor. Excerpts:

How was your experience working with Snehasis Das for his music video ‘Hauslana Ruthe’?

It was a nice experience working with Snehasis. I have worked with film makers like Shyam Benegal and Govind Nehlani who through their work had tried to highlight the suffering of weavers among others. So, I had an experience of working on issue-based topics apart from being a singer. I found Snehasis having that kind of seriousness and sensitivity, and he is seriously concerned about our environment and through his documentary or videos, he is trying to highlight those issues.

His initiative of mingling music and environmental issues and presenting it in a beautiful manner is really appreciable. Even the singer Konark Sarangi needs to be encouraged for his sincerity. I feel glad that they thought that I would be able to portray the role of the main protagonist Charu Maa on whose life the music video is based.=

The character of ‘Charu Maa’ in the video is a real life person. What was your feeling while portraying her?

I am an artist and I have been doing theatre, film and singing. Through my song I try to celebrate different festivals of the country. I always have this desire to live all kinds of characters from across the country may be that is what makes me different from others. The character of ‘Charu Maa’ which I portrayed was different from what I have done previously and it will always remain with me.

While shooting and interacting with these group of ladies from Odisha who are trying to protect their village from natural calamities, I came to know about the casuarina tree. I had no idea that this tree plays an important role in protecting villages and crops near coastal beaches. Having worked with Shyam Benegal, one does learn how to make the vision of the director, your own! And, I am glad that I was able to do justice to the character of ‘Charu Maa’.

Picture Courtesy: Zimbio

As an actor, which medium do you love?

I love theatre the most and the reason is here you have to live a character for three hours. You will be responsible to keep the audiences connected with the play on stage and have to take care of all the mistakes. But there is one drawback, in theatre, the number of people coming in to enjoy it is very less. Film balances that reaching a much larger audience.However, having said that, I still enjoy performing in front a live audience as that gives a deep satisfaction.  I have also worked in television but I don’t enjoy doing that. I only did two programmes on television ‘Discovery of India- Bharat Ek Khoj’ and ‘Yatra’ which gave me an opportunity to explore the country.

Many senior actors are turning to television. Are you interested in coming back to small screen?

So, when I won’t get any role to play in movies, the best thing would be to play the role of a mother-in-law on television! I do get lots of such offers, particularly to play the role of a vamp. But that would be my last resort, only if I turn penniless. I would feel suffocated doing such things. I feel theatre helps you get that dose of positive oxygen from audiences which in turn keeps you vibrant.

Your unique voice and style of singing folk music made you one of the most popular private album singers. Folk songs became your forte. What do you love about folk songs?

I was born in Rajasthan where every corner has the essence of folk music. So, I developed an interest for folk music. I am not only interested in Rajasthan folk songs, I am interested in all kinds of folk music. I am even interested to listen to Odia folk songs. I have a weakness for folk music and culture which is why I even love to wear folk costumes. Folk music has a rawness and rhythm and I like it.

Picture Courtesy: Telengana Today 

Haule Haule was your last music album. After that you stopped singing in protest against piracy and remixes. Are you planning to come up with any new album?

Oh yes, I am ready with 11 songs. Digitisation and remixes have ruined the music industry. Many top music houses got closed and those existing are sustaining through remixes or by producing films. Film songs are also not doing good business. Since now people have started listening to radio. I feel that radio may help to revive the music industry. I heard that Big FM is planning to revive private albums.I have recorded some of my songs but I am not willing to give them for free.

You have played many interesting characters in various movies. Any particular character that you enjoyed doing?

The character of Mahamanga in Jodha Akbar is one of my favourites. But unfortunately, some good portion of my shot was deleted.

Though you were busy shooting, could you get an opportunity to explore Odisha?

Yes, I went to Konark and saw the Sun Temple, but I was sad to see all those scaffoldings. Then I got busy with shooting but after completing shooting, I went to Puri and Raghurajpur from where I bought many beautiful paintings and woodcarving works.

Feature and Banner Image Courtesy: Hindustan Times