Parents must make children aware of their cultural roots: Ila Arun

A multi-talented entertainer, Ila Arun has acted in films, theatre, television shows and is also a well-known folk- pop singer with a unique, husky voice. Arun speaks with TOI about her work, including her latest play, Namaste, which was recently staged at the Indian Council for Cultural Research in the capital
Tell us about your latest play, Namaste.
I took Tom Dudzick’s play, Greeting, and reworked it in Hindi.K K Raina has directed this play. We have both acted in it. He is a fast reader and I am a fast writer. This play focuses on the new world where barriers are sinking and where traditions, values and religion are struggling to keep up with a new generation which is undecided on the path it must follow. Inevitably, this leads to a conflict between the old and the emerging new. It is a delightful and thought-provoking comedy for all. It raises important questions and also indicates how each must pave his own path and destiny. It is actually a nostalgia trip which tells the need to communicate between the old and the youth.
What do you think is the state of folk songs? Don’t you think its slowly vanishing?
If it’s vanishing, it is because of parents. It should be the moral responsibility of parents to make their children aware of their cultural roots. They should be trained in folk or classical songs first and western music afterwards.
What should we do to save our heritage?
The corporate sector must support culture. Government should also help to spread our heritage culture worldwide.
Acting or singing which one would you choose?
I love both. But if I have to choose one, I will choose acting. I do theatre where you can act, dance and sing. You can do anything. I will add singing in my act and be able to do both.
What are your upcoming projects?
I am doing a show for DD Urdu, Mai khayal hoon kisi aur ka, mujhe sochta koi aur hai. I am also acting in a movie, Shaadi ke side effects, starring Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan.