A Voice like Earth, A Spirit Like Flame

A voice that echoes the earth. A spirit that blazes like flame.

The Mysuru Literature Festival 2025 witnessed a powerful and emotional session with the inimitable Ila Arun, in conversation with Anjula Bedi and Reena Pereira, celebrating her newly released autobiography “Parde Ke Peechhey” — a story of music, theatre, womanhood, and resilience authored by both of them.

Ila Arun spoke candidly about the many veils and masks we wear, and how her book is an attempt to peel those layers off — to reveal the woman behind the performer. “All that I am today,” she said with deep emotion, “is because of my mother.” She recalled her mother’s grounding wisdom — “Aavesh mein hosh nahi khona” — don’t lose your mind in anger — a lesson she carries with her to this day.

Author Anjula Bedi read out moving excerpts, including a tender moment when a Ila discovered her date of birth from a blue notebook her mother had preserved.

When asked whether she prefers singing or acting, Ila Arun smiled and said, “I sing when I act, and I act when I sing.” For her, the stage is a temple, and performance is prayer.

This session was more than a book launch — it was a tribute to an icon whose journey from Rajasthan’s folk roots to national acclaim has inspired generations.

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