Unexpected Scorn at a Farewell

The funeral of Piyush Pandey—widely respected for his iconic campaigns and warm personality—was meant to be a heartfelt tribute. Instead, a video of Ishitta smiling and laughing during the ceremony sparked sharp online criticism. Some accused her of being disrespectful at a solemn event.

A Different Kind of Tribute

In response, Ishitta took to Instagram to explain her behaviour: “Grief isn’t a single script… remembering him through laughter isn’t disrespect.”   She emphasised that for someone who “laughed louder than anyone else”, celebrating his memory with humour felt right. It was her way of witnessing the full spectrum of their relationship—not just the sorrow, but the joy he brought.

Trolls vs Memory Keepers

Her message also contained an edge directed at trolls who “took time out of their empty lives to twist a single second” of her grief.   She urged observers to understand the context: what looked like a moment of lightness was in fact a vivid memory of her uncle’s signature wit.

The Legacy Behind the Laughter

Beyond the viral clip, Ishitta’s tribute to her uncle was deeply personal. She recalled how Piyush moved from Calcutta to Mumbai, lived with her family in their small flat, and maintained a lively, mischievous presence in her life.   In her words: “There will never be another like him—part warmth, part mischief, full-time original.”

Why This Matters

This episode highlights how grief and memory are deeply personal and varied. For Ishitta, standing before those who judged her meant standing for authenticity: grief doesn’t necessarily mean silent tears; it can mean laughter in remembrance of vibrant life. Her stance asks: Who defines what a “respectful” goodbye should look like?

Grief is as unique as the person we’re mourning—and sometimes the most fitting tribute is to honour how they lived, rather than how others expect them to be remembered.