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Ishitta Arun reacts to backlash over viral video from Piyush Pandey’s funeral, saying grief isn’t scripted and remembering him with laughter was a true reflection of his spirit.
After facing criticism for smiling at her uncle Piyush Pandey’s funeral, actor Ishitta Arun responded to trolls, saying grief cannot be scripted and laughter was part of his legacy.
Actor and content creator Ishitta Arun has responded to online criticism after a video of her smiling and conversing at her uncle Piyush Pandey’s funeral went viral. Many social media users accused her of behaving inappropriately at the somber event, prompting the actor to issue a heartfelt clarification.
Ishitta Arun Defends Her Reaction to Grief
Addressing the controversy through her Instagram Stories, Ishitta shared a photograph of her late uncle along with an emotional note, explaining that grief manifests differently for everyone.
She wrote, “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. It’s continuity. It’s muscle memory. It’s knowing who he really was.”
The actor further criticized those who rushed to judge her based on a fleeting moment caught on video, saying, “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.”
‘We Don’t Stage Grief,’ Says Ishitta
In a powerful statement, Ishitta emphasized the importance of authenticity during mourning, writing, “We don’t stage grief. We don’t mute memory to make strangers comfortable. We remember him honestly — as laughter, courage, and life itself. Next time—know the story before you comment on the moment.”
Her words resonated with many who believe that celebrating a loved one’s spirit, even through smiles and laughter, can be a valid and deeply human way to grieve.
Remembering Piyush Pandey
Earlier this week, Ishitta had shared an emotional post recalling her childhood memories with her “mama,” the legendary adman Piyush Pandey. She revealed how her mother brought him to Mumbai, believing his talent deserved a bigger stage.
Reminiscing about their early years in a small Santacruz flat, Ishitta wrote, “As an only child, I suddenly had my first and only roommate. I’d wait all day for him to return from work, singing at the top of my lungs like a malfunctioning radio. One day, he lost his patience and said, ‘Main tumhe ulta pankhe se latka doonga’ (I’ll hang you upside down from the fan). For me, it was Tuesday. For him, a breakdown.”
The Legacy of Piyush Pandey
Piyush Pandey, a titan of Indian advertising and the man who shaped the language of modern Indian commercials, passed away on Friday at the age of 70. His sister, singer-actor Ila Arun, confirmed to Indian Express that he died of pneumonia complications.
Described as the creative heart of Ogilvy & Mather, Piyush Pandey’s storytelling brilliance gave India some of its most memorable campaigns — from Fevicol’s “Jod Ke Rakhe Hamesha” to Cadbury’s “Kuch Khaas Hai” and Asian Paints’ “Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai.” His ability to weave Indian sensibilities, humour, and emotion into advertising redefined the industry and left behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always on the hun…Read More
Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always on the hun… Read More
October 26, 2025, 22:00 IST
