Ishitta Arun on smiling at Piyush Pandey’s funeral: ‘Remembering him through laughter isn’t disrespect’

Actor and content creator Ishitta Arun has spoken up after facing online criticism over her appearance at her uncle Piyush Pandey’s funeral. A short video showing her smiling and talking to others at the ceremony went viral, drawing harsh comments from social media users who accused her of being insensitive.

Reacting to the backlash, Ishitta took to Instagram Stories to share her thoughts. Alongside a picture of her late uncle, she posted a heartfelt message explaining that grief doesn’t look the same 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.”

Her statement reflected both affection and frustration, as she addressed those judging her from a brief clip. “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 added.

The actor also made a broader point about authenticity in moments of mourning. “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,” Ishitta wrote.

Her words struck a chord with many who supported her outlook on grieving. Several users agreed that laughter can coexist with loss, especially when it mirrors the personality of the person being remembered.

Piyush Pandey, one of India’s most respected advertising figures, was known for his warmth, wit, and creativity. Ishitta had earlier shared a post reminiscing about her childhood with him, recalling how her mother had brought him to Mumbai, believing his creative spark belonged on a bigger canvas.

For Ishitta, smiling through tears wasn’t about disrespect but remembrance. In her own words, it was about honouring Piyush Pandey in the way he lived — with humour, love, and life.

The controversy may have begun with a misunderstanding, but Ishitta’s response reminded many that grief has no fixed expression.