Ila Arun is a celebrated Indian singer, actress, composer and writer known for her distinctive husky voice and her strong connection with Rajasthani folk music. She has made a significant contribution to Hindi film music and Indian folk-pop, while also working extensively in television, theatre and cinema.
She became widely popular for songs such as “Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai” from Khal Nayak, “Morni Baaga Ma Bole” from Lamhe, “Gup Chup Gup Chup” from Karan Arjun, and “Ringa Ringa” from Slumdog Millionaire.
Her powerful folk-based singing style has made her one of the most recognizable voices associated with Rajasthani folk-pop in Indian popular culture.Ila Arun was born on 15 March 1954 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. She grew up surrounded by Rajasthani folk music and developed an early interest in singing. She later moved to Mumbai and built a career that combined folk music, playback singing, acting, composition and theatre.
Her distinctive voice became especially prominent in Hindi cinema during the 1980s and 1990s. One of her biggest successes came with “Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai”, performed with Alka Yagnik for Khal Nayak (1993). The song became a major popular hit and earned the singers the Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer.
Another important song in her career was “Morni Baaga Ma Bole” from Yash Chopra's Lamhe (1991), performed with Lata Mangeshkar. She later worked with A. R. Rahman on “Muthu Muthu Mazhai” for Mr. Romeo and “Ringa Ringa” for the internationally acclaimed Slumdog Millionaire.
Ila Arun has also enjoyed a successful acting career. She appeared in films including Jodhaa Akbar, Well Done Abba, Shaadi Ke Side Effects, Begum Jaan, Manto, Chhalaang, Sherni and Haddi. She has also worked in Indian television and theatre.
In addition to playback singing, she has released independent folk and pop music, including albums and songs such as “Vote For Ghaghra,” “Haule Haule,” “Khichdi” and “Nigodi Kaisi Jawani Hai.” Her music continues to appear on modern streaming platforms, with releases listed as recently as 2026. Birth Date: 15 March 1954 Birth Place: Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India Profession: Singer, Actress, Composer, Lyricist, Writer Known For: Rajasthani Folk and Hindi Playback Singing Genres: Rajasthani Folk, Indian Film Music, Playback, Classical, Pop Years Active: 1979–Present Death Date: Not applicable — Ila Arun is alive.