Ila Arun is a celebrated folk singer, actor, playwright, and theatre producer/director whose contributions have shaped Indian performing arts over a span of more than five decades. Known for her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence, she has brought the soul of Rajasthani folk music and theatre to global audiences.

Her dynamic career includes blockbuster hits like Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai and Ring Ring Ringa (Slumdog Millionaire), performances in over 50 films, and major roles in acclaimed projects like Jodha Akbar, Thugs of Hindostan, Manto, Begum Jaan, and West is West. She has also featured in hit OTT shows such as Aarya 3, Raat Akeli Hai, and Call Your Agent.

As the founder of Surnai Theatre and Folk Arts Foundation, Ila has written, adapted, and staged more than a dozen plays, and directed the annual Ibsen Festival in Mumbai for nearly a decade. She has performed over 200 live folk shows worldwide, using her platform to uplift traditional folk artists from Rajasthan.

In 2018, she was honored by King Harald V of Norway with the King’s Order of Merit – Knight 1st Class. She is also a recipient of the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer and the Rajasthan Sahitya Natak Akademi Fellowship. Her memoir, Parde Ke Peeche, launched in 2024, offers an intimate look into her personal and artistic journey-anchored in Jaipur, the city that molded her identity.