Ishitta Arun Defends Smiles at Uncle Piyush Pandey’s Funeral

Actress and content creator Ishitta Arun has responded to online criticism following her apparent laughter at the funeral of her uncle, renowned advertising executive Piyush Pandey, who passed away on March 15, 2024, at the age of 70. The backlash arose after a video circulated showing Ishitta smiling and engaging with other attendees during the somber occasion.

In her defense, Ishitta took to her Instagram stories to clarify her emotional response. She emphasized that grief is not a linear experience and noted, “Grief isn’t a single script. And when you’re saying goodbye to a man who laughed louder than anyone else, remembering him through laughter isn’t disrespect.” She highlighted the importance of celebrating her uncle’s memory, stating that it reflects his true character and spirit.

The video that sparked criticism featured Ishitta sharing light-hearted moments with friends and family. Addressing the trolls, she remarked, “What you saw was us laughing at his line—a line only he could deliver. If you had known him, even in passing, you wouldn’t have needed this explained.” She urged critics to understand the context before passing judgment, adding, “We remember him honestly—as laughter, courage, and life itself.”

Reflecting on Fond Memories

Following Piyush Pandey’s death, Ishitta shared a heartfelt tribute, recalling their close relationship. She reminisced about his visits to Mumbai and their time spent together in a modest two-bedroom flat in Santacruz. “We lived in a small flat, and as an only child, I suddenly had my first and only roommate. I was ecstatic,” she wrote, illustrating their bond through cherished memories.

Ishitta fondly recalled how Piyush, affectionately referred to as Mama, often engaged in playful banter. One memorable incident involved him threatening to hang her upside down from a ceiling fan, a moment she recalled with humor. “Being the drama queen I was, I told my teacher, who promptly asked, ‘Is there a man in your house threatening to hang your daughter upside down?’ Yes, there was. His name was Piyush Pandey.”

She described him as “protective, funny, sharp, and brutally honest,” revealing how his opinions had a profound impact on her life. Ishitta shared anecdotes from her childhood, including her first commercial appearance at the age of three, which she attributed to his creative guidance.

A Lasting Legacy

Ishitta expressed her gratitude for the time spent with Piyush, noting that his validation meant the world to her. “Whenever he called to say he liked something I’d done, that was all the validation I needed,” she said, emphasizing the rarity of compliments from him.

As she concluded her tribute, she quoted Piyush’s encouragement to “always play on the front foot,” promising to carry forward his legacy through her own pursuits. “I promise I’ll keep singing—maybe not so loudly this time, but definitely on the front foot,” she affirmed, acknowledging the lessons learned from her beloved uncle.

Through her heartfelt reflections, Ishitta Arun not only defended her actions but also celebrated the vibrant life of Piyush Pandey, reminding everyone of the joy he brought to those around him.