Mumbai, September 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Veteran singer-actress Ila Arun enjoyed a nostalgic reunion with veteran actors Hema Malini and Jeetendra during a Ganesh Maha Aarti in Mumbai, recalling her professional association with the two actors in the films ‘Rihaee’ and ‘Jaal’.
Arun shared photographs from the evening on social media, including pictures with Hema Malini, Jeetendra, actor Raj Babbar and his daughter Juhi Babbar.
She described the evening as “very emotional & enriching” and began her post by recalling a visit to Prithvi Theatre for the 50th anniversary celebration of Nadira Babbar’s theatre group Ekjute.
Arun said she began her Mumbai theatre journey with Nadira Babbar in productions including ‘Lower Depths’, ‘A View From The Bridge’ and ‘Yahudi Ki Ladki’. She recalled spending two years learning about discipline and theatre and said her familiarity with Nadira Babbar and Raj Babbar from Delhi helped her feel at home after moving to Mumbai following a short course at the National School of Drama.
Later, Arun attended the Ganesh Maha Aarti at Meenu’s residence associated with Gangaur Sweets. She described Gangaur as family and said she was delighted to find Hema Malini and Jeetendra at the gathering.
Arun recalled working with Hema Malini in Aruna Raje’s 1988 film ‘Rihaee’, in which Malini played Taku and Arun portrayed Jhumku. The film explored the lives of women in a Gujarat village whose husbands had migrated to cities for work, while addressing loneliness, relationships, sexuality and social double standards. The ensemble cast also included Vinod Khanna, Naseeruddin Shah, Neena Gupta, Reema Lagoo, Mohan Agashe and Pallavi Joshi.
Arun also worked with Jeetendra in Umesh Mehra’s 1986 action film ‘Jaal’, produced by F.C. Mehra and Parvesh C. Mehra under the Eagle Films banner. The film starred Rekha, Mithun Chakraborty, Mandakini and Moon Moon Sen, with music by Anu Malik.
Arun also lent her voice to the film’s song “Raina Bawari Bahi Re”.
“Time really flies! Ganpati Bappa Morya!” Arun wrote while recalling the reunion.
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