The undisputed queen of folk-pop, Ila Arun is ready with her new album. Going by her past record, we were sure that the lady would come up with a `different' name for the album. But this one beats everything. Hell, even the PR guys are hesitant to say it. Curious? Well, the title in question is Khichdi. Khichdi for the uninitiated, is Hindi for pot-pourrie or mixture. Quiz Ila about the title and the singer is quick to admit that, "the album is called Khichdi because it has mixed feelings, mixed tunes, mixed styles." Basically, mixed everything. From a more practical point of view, the word Khichdi has been used generously in one of the lead tracks. That was one of the first few tracks to be recorded and, "later I realised that the entire album had shaped into a khichdi." More reasons for calling the album that: she has used 9 languages in one song and there's one particular track which is a mujra sung to a blues tune. Talk about innovative fusion!

But hardcore Ila Arun loyalists have no reason to be dissapointed. There is a bit of Rajasthan sprinkled all over the album. "The music may be Western," she says assuringly,"but I'm on my own track." Two music videos have been shot -- one on the mujra-meets-blues song Tum kahan gaye the and the other on a dance number, Main dilwali -- and both have been produced by Mahesh Mathai's Highlight Productions. Ila is particularly excited about Tum Kahan Gaye The which has been directed by Mathai himself and has been shot in Prauge. There's another surprise for listeners in the form of a patriotic song which has been the last addition to the album. According to Ila," Every singer or artiste is doing something for the 50'th year of Independence. This song is my tribute to our people and it says something what I feel strongly about."

Ila is probably the only folk-pop star (after Daler Mehendi) to have had a string of successes in the last few years. Each album is a well planned, well co-ordinated effort. And the planning accompanied by decent music hasn't let either her or her listeners down. Almost all her albums have achieved either Gold or Platinum status, with the last release Vote For Ghaghra having notched up sales to the tune of a couple of lakh units. Ila feels that the reason for her success is the single minded devotion with which she creates her music. "When I come out with an album," she says, "I give my all to it. After that I just wait for it to do well. When I went to Vaishnodevi recently, while everyone else was busy singing Jai Mata Di a bunch of people spotted me and started singing Nigodi kaisi jawani hai."

In a dog eat dog world, full of machinations and hostile relationships between singers and music companies Ila's equation with Tips has been a case in point. Ever since she moved over from HMV, the music company has supported her art to an extent which has made her one of the more solid names in the field of non film music. "The best part is," says Ila, "that they don't interfere much. I've always been given more or less what I've asked for. I've recorded at the best studios, spent money on videos and they have pushed me very well. I guess, it works well for both of us. Also we have a very one-on-one relationship. At times, I criticise their ideas and put my foot down but there are also times when I listen to what they have to say."

But, if there's one thing that the singer enjoys apart from cutting albums, it's her live shows. "I may not perform every week or even every month for that matter but whenever I do so, I derive tremendous satisfaction. I enjoy live shows because of the constant action and reaction. I love getting exhausted on stage," she says. Right now, Ila has her hands full getting Khichdi onto our platter and there are plans to turn traditional with a venegance with the next album. But that's all she's ready to reveal at the moment. Second helpings, anyone?