It’s difficult for an actor to be surprised by scripts after a four-decade career in the movies. But life has a way of springing pleasant surprises. For Ila Arun, the third season of Aarya was just that. “Director Ram Madhvani was searching for an actor who could represent the royalty of Rajasthan. I had portrayed a modern-day queen in a play before. So, I think Ram trusted my theatre experience too,” she smiles.

Collaborating with Sushmita Sen only added to the joy of being part of the Disney+ Hotstar series. Arun is all praise for the leading lady. “She is our Miss Universe. That’s a stature no one can take away from her. Then, she did well in movies and made a crackling debut on OTT. She is tall not only physically, but also in her approach to work.”