Actor-director MK Raina was seen storming off the stage on the second day of the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 on January 31, Friday, as singer-thespian Ila Arun performed a scene from her play, Peer Ghani. Both Raina and Arun attended the prestigious festival to present their respective memoirs, 'Before I Forget' and 'Parde Ke Peechhey'.
It all happened when Arun spoke about her love for legendary playwright Henrik Ibsen and how she adapted his notable play Peer Gynt as her own play, Peer Ghani, set in the backdrop of Kashmir. During the interaction, Arun decided to act out a scene from her play on the JLF stage, and while she was at it, Raina decided to walk out.
While Raina did not share the reason behind his disappointment, sources said that the filmmaker felt ignored during the particular session.
When Arun later realised that Raina had walked off, she said, "This session is not just about my book, but it's about my life. And if I am enacting, he shouldn't be annoyed. He should be sitting here." She also joked, "Albert Pinto ko gussa kyu aaya?", leaving the audience in splits and they lauded her for maintaining her composure.
As the session ended, moderator Asad Laljee issued a formal apology to Raina stating that neither him nor the panel members meant to disrespect him. Arun also urged the audience to read Raina's memoir and get their copies signed by him.
Raina is a veteran theatre actor and filmmaker. He has also starred in Bollywood films and web shows like Tanaav, Aisha, Noor, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Taare Zameen Par, Lakshya, and many more.
