Why Ila Arun Had The Last Laugh

Want to watch a play from the comfort of your home?

Peechha Karti Parchhaiyan, starring Ila Arun and K K Raina, is now a teleplay.

Zee Theatre has bought the rights, and it will stream on Airtel Spotlight, Dish TV and D2h Rangmanch Active from September 1.

An adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's classic drama Ghosts, Ila has written the play and adapted it to the backdrop of Rajasthan's Rajput families.

It explores a woman's internal conflict with family secrets and personal boundaries, and her haunting shadows of the past.

Ila speaks to Patcy N/Rediff.com about her experience on the play and also looks back at her career in the movies.

Your character Yashodhara Baisah in Peechha Karti Parchhaiyan embodies Indian women shackled by responsibilities, tradition, society and so many other elements, and wants to break free.

You have set the play in Rajasthan. Is it because it is where you hail from and you could use personal references?

What made you come to Mumbai from Rajasthan? Was it marriage or movies?

You have had a long association with Shyam Benegal, with whom you have worked in Mandi, Trikal, Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda, Bose: The Forgotten Hero, Welcome to Sajjanpur, Well Done Abba and television serials like Samwidaan and Bharat Ek Khoj. What is your bond with Mr Benegal like?

How did you get your first big break in Bollywood with the song Morni Baga Ma Bole from Lamhe?

After facing so much criticism for the song Choli Ke Peeche from Khalnayak, your song was used recently in Crew. How did you feel about that?

Coming back to your play, K K Raina and you have a theatre group called Surnai for the past 40 years. You write and he directs. Tell us more about this solid working association.

How was the play transformed into a teleplay without losing its charm?