Following criticism on social media regarding her family’s smiles at the funeral of veteran adman Piyush Pandey, actor Ishitta Arun took to Instagram to share her perspective. She explained that remembering her uncle through laughter is not a sign of disrespect but rather a continuation of his joyful spirit. Ishitta highlighted that Pandey, known for his immense laughter, would have wanted to be remembered for his vibrant life.
She further elaborated on societal expectations surrounding grief, noting how people often feel compelled to express sadness in a particular way. Ishitta pointed out that this stems from deeply ingrained cultural conditioning where judgment about how one should feel or behave is common, often encapsulated by the phrase, “Log kya kahenge?” (What will people say?). She believes social media has amplified these conversations that were once confined to private spaces.
Ishitta shared a touching memory from the funeral, where the family sang “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” and cheered for her uncle, promising to gather in a better setting next time. She recalled how Pandey’s spirit of laughter and courage permeated the ceremony, with everyone hearing his commentary in their heads and smiling at his memorable lines. She expressed her gratitude that her aunts and mother maintained their dignity during the farewell, seeing it as a sign of health and continuity.
Quoting Pandey’s iconic line, “Fevicol ka jod hai. Tootega nahi,” Ishitta emphasized the strength of her family bond. She stated that she is unaffected by trolls commenting on her family’s grief, asserting that how they honor a loved one requires no external validation. Ishitta concluded by saying that anyone uncomfortable with their honest remembrance of Pandey is welcome to grapple with their own discomfort.