Penguin India is delighted to announce the release of Pardey Ke Peechey, the candid memoir of Ila Arun, as told to Anjula Bedi. In this deeply personal account, Ila Arun reveals the unvarnished truths of her journey through the entertainment industry—a realm shaped by fame, censorship, and the pervasive undertones of patriarchy. With unwavering candor, she recounts her rise from humble beginnings in the folk-rich landscapes of Rajasthan to her emergence as a national icon, offering readers an authentic glimpse behind the curtain of her illustrious career. Told in her inimitable style, with sincerity and a touch of humour, this is Ila at her candid best, sharing a glimpse into her life and experience onstage and backstage, parde ke peechhey.
In a city eclipsed by fame, yet radiant with heritage, born to a mother of 5 daughters, yearning autonomy in a world that dictated otherwise, with weight of expectations hung heavy on her, and a burning desire to break free from the shackles of tradition – Pardey Ke Peechey, unfolds like a gripping tale of rebellion, as Ila Arun embarks on a journey that defies expectations and challenges the very roots of every sphere she becomes a part of. From her early days at the National School of Drama, revealing each role she played and each name she chanced upon, to an unsuspecting couple, caught in a snare of deceit – Ila leaves nothing tucked away, as if aware already, of how these seemingly insignificant scenarios were to be the microcosm of the broader societal hypocrisies that she would deftly navigate throughout her life.
From the moment she burst onto the scene, Ila’s powerful voice shatters conventions, setting a tone for all that was to come next. Her path to success, however, remained fraught with peril, as she exposes in her tell – all autobiography, the dark underbelly of the music industry, revealing her battles with piracy that threatened her livelihood and her artistic integrity. The stakes grow higher, and the weight of fame presses down on her like a storm cloud.
An unconventional voice, deemed unfit, and un-womanly, that went on to rule a myriad hearts, her iconic, breakout hit, “Choli Ke Peechhey”, that initially stirred a tempest of controversy and scandal, and thrusted her into the limelight and made her a symbol of rebellion, came at a heavy price, as she faced the searing scrutiny of a public eager to tear down what it doesn’t understand, sparking fierce debates about female sexuality and expression. Scandals loom large, and the relentless scrutiny of the media seeks to dim her spirit.
Each chapter reveals the fierce defiance she embodies, as she challenges the status quo with unapologetic bravado — Ila grabs your attention, pulling no punches as she recounts her journey from an uncertain girl to a fierce cultural icon. Much of the drama in her narrative unfolds as she transforms traditional folk music into a powerful anthem for women’s empowerment, each song a battle cry against societal norms that seek to confine and define.
“Pardey Ke Peechey” goes beyond a memoir; it’s a tale of rebellion, a revelation – a raw, unfiltered look at the trials, triumphs, and tribulations faced by women, behind the glitzy veneer of the industry, where dreams are chased, voices are stifled, and artists grapple with the price of fame. With every turn of the page, Ila Arun invites you to witness her gritty realities, moments of doubt and her fierce victories, where authenticity reigns supreme, and rebellion is relentless and the way of life. This is the story of a woman who not only dares to challenge the world around her but also inspires countless others to embrace their authenticity and fight for their place in the spotlight.
The Book releasing in November 2024
