Sameera Reddy Remembers Ghazal Maestro Pankaj Udhas

Sameera Reddy remembers Pankaj Udhas, the actress says ‘Whatever I Am Today Is Because Of Him’

Sameera expressed her sorrow, mentioning, “It’s unfortunate that he’s no longer with us.”

Sameera Reddy Remembers Ghazal Maestro Pankaj Udhas

Reflecting on the passing of music legend Pankaj Udhas, Sameera Reddy, known for her role in the iconic music video “Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein,” shared her sentiments with Hindustan Times. She reacted to Udhas’ demise, stating, “Just hearing about it gives me chills. Tears fill my eyes, and my heart aches. Sadly, we’ve lost him.” Pankaj Udhas passed away on Monday following a prolonged illness, confirmed by his family through a statement expressing deep sadness.

In the Hindustan Times interview, Sameera reminisced about the impact of the song “Aur Ahista” on her career, revealing, “I owe much of who I am today to him. They discovered and selected me. Back then, I was a young person without ambitions, unaware of what I was doing, yet somehow, I became part of this legendary song, one of his greatest hits. It was an honor to be involved.”

Recalling her initial encounter with Pankaj Udhas, Sameera shared, “I was extremely nervous when I first met him, trembling and scared as it was my debut in front of the camera. I recall thinking, ‘What have I gotten myself into?’ Yet, he remained calm and smiling throughout. Despite his seniority, he never exerted pressure.”

Years later, when Sameera met Pankaj Udhas again, she was deeply touched by his warm reception. “At a gathering, years after the video’s release and my entry into acting, I approached him humbly, acknowledging, ‘I owe my recognition to you.’ He was genuinely moved and replied, ‘Your dedication made it happen.’ It seems fate plays a role; that song chose me, and it’s still remembered today.”

In a previous Instagram post, Sameera shared a clip from the video, reminiscing about her debut. She revealed that she took part in the music video only because it was filmed in Australia, without intending to pursue acting at the time.

Pankaj Udhas, renowned for ghazals like “Chandani Raat Mein,” “Na Kajre Ki Dhaar,” “Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein,” and his appearances in films such as “Yeh Dillagi,” “Saajan,” and “Phir Teri Kahaani Yaad Aayee,” leaves behind a rich musical legacy. Sameera Reddy, last seen in “Chakravyuh” (2012), fondly recalls her association with the music maestro.