‘Remembering Razia Baig’ Series Launch Celebrates Ila Arun

Hyderabad, January 20: As the velvet calm of a star hotel settled over the gathering, there was an unmistakable energy in the air. It wasn’t just another event – this was a night to celebrate unsung heroines, to honor those whose quiet strength had shaped the arts in ways that can never be fully captured. And at the center of it all stood a woman whose voice, no matter the stage or screen, has echoed through decades of Indian cinema and theatre: Ila Arun.

The occasion? The launch of the Remembering Razia Baig series—an initiative to commemorate the legacy of the late Begum Razia Baig, a woman who redefined the cultural landscape with her unmatched contribution to theatre and performing arts. As maiden event of the series, the spotlight was on Ila Arun’s own remarkable story, chronicled in her autobiography Parde ke Peechhey, which was being unveiled.

As former Minister Geeta Reddy took the stage, the atmosphere shifted from quiet anticipation to heartfelt reverence. She paid rich homage to Begum Razia Baig’s indomitable spirit and lauded her dynamism for looking ahead of her time. She broke barriers in the theatre world at a time when women, especially from the Muslim community, seldom found their place in the spotlight. “She was a graceful, powerful woman of substance,” Reddy recalled, her voice filled with warmth. “Her legacy continues through the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation, which she co-founded with her husband and remains a global symbol of cultural excellence.”

The tribute to Begum Baig seamlessly flowed into the celebration of Ila Arun. As the first woman to be honored in this new series, she took the stage to speak and share a part of her soul. “Hyderabad has given me so much,” she said, in her signature thick voice, brimming with emotion. “I have so many memories of this city and it has witnessed my journey, and now, it feels like a rebirth to launch my book here.” With a nostalgic glance toward the ever-changing cityscape, she added, “The rocks of Banjara Hills are gone, but its spirit remains.”

And with that, Parde ke Peechhey was a peep into the live of Ila Arun, through her own words. Noted theatre artist and playwright Noor Baig, who read excerpts from the book, took the audience through Arun’s life journey – one that spans over four decades of unforgettable music, acting, and theater. 

What made the evening interesting was the eclectic mix of warmth, humor, and camaraderie. Former Minister Geeta Reddy and Ila Arun engaged in a playful exchange, praising the book’s exploration of Parde ke Peechhey – the untold stories behind the scenes of Begum Razia Baig’s life. Their witty repartee set the mood for the evening.

Geeta Reddy praised Begum Raiza Baig’s son Padma Shri Mohammad Ali Baig for his efforts to keep his parents’ legacy alive through theatre. 

“This series isn’t just about my mother,” he said, his voice laced with emotion. “It’s for all the women who shaped the arts quietly, who built and nurtured the world of theatre and performing arts, often from the shadows.”

Arnab Gupta, General Manager of Taj Deccan, welcomed the guests with a heartfelt note on the hotel’s long-standing association with the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation. “We are proud to be part of this cultural journey,” Gupta said, reflecting on the recent renovation of the hotel.

As the evening neared its end, the excitement was palpable. Guests eagerly queued for book signings. The atmosphere was electric. Among the notable guests were Captain Bandi Venu, former MP Madhu Goud, Laxmi Devi Raj, Dr. Sujv Nair (Global CHRO, RE Sustainability), Najaf Ali Khan, Dr. P.C. Gupta (Senior Consultant, Care Hospitals), Captain Sanjay Bhatia, and others.

Remembering Razia Baig, in the words of Baig, is a celebration of all those who dared to dream beyond the time they were given. “The series promises to bring more stories of quiet strength and extraordinary creativity – just like the women it seeks to honor”, he concluded.