Nitesh Pandey’s former co-stars Nakuul Mehta, Rupali Ganguly, Kritika Kamra remember the ‘effortless actor’ and ‘kind soul’

Nakuul Mehta mourned his on-screen father from Pyaar Ka Dard Hai… Meetha Meeta Pyaara Pyaara with an emotional note. Addressing Nitesh as ‘Dear Nits’, the actor wrote how the senior actor had taken him ‘under his wings’ when he debuted on TV. He added that the next three years on the set laid the foundation of everything for him. “…your mad sense of humour, your never ending encouragement, your pride in your craft, your vision for sustainable living, your retro Honda CRV, your giving nonchalant close ups in a suit jacket and shorts under the lightman’s thermocol, your joi de vivre, your Naks.. let’s get a drink man.. seems so palpable and recent…,” Nakuul recalled.

The note further read, “You my friend were a vibe, an energy and a talent which is amongst the best we have ever had in the business! Knowing you, I know you would insist that we celebrate you! I still remember you guffawing at the 2012 ‘me’ doing push-ups and running myself crazy before an emotional scene to get my blood pumping and emotion ready for a scene. I wish I did tell you that I secretly stole so much from you. So much of me on screen is just wanting to achieve the joy & melancholy you played with such lightness of being.”

 

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Disha Parmar, who played Nitesh Pandey’s daughter-in-law in the same show, also penned an emotional note. Sharing his photo on her Instagram story, she wrote, “Pandey ji, I cannot believe I am writing this. Rest in peace.”

Another co-actor Khushwant Walia also penned a long note remembering Nitesh and the times they have spent together. Sharing a throwback photo, he shared how Nitesh was an ‘amazing actor and even better human being’.

He added, “His exuberance and live wire energy is still ringing bells in my mind, still unable to process that he is not around with us..pandey ji and I shared the same birthday, n we had so much in common, like love for food (specially sea food) cinema, books, whiskeys (he got me introduced to Ballentines) n many many other things. Will always be so thankful to you sir for all those impromptu acting tips and for being ever so encouraging. I lost a true well wisher today, someone I looked upto and the industry lost one fine actor forever! Pandey ji go well, see you in the another realm celebrating our birthday together.”

Kritika Kamra and Disha Parmar shared Instagram stories remembering Nitesh Pandey.

Nitesh Pandey was last seen in Anupamaa, in which he had made a cameo appearance. The show gave him a chance to work with an old friend, Rupali Ganguly. The actor, who is said to be upset about Nitesh and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai co-star Vaibhavi Upadhayaya’s demise, released a statement, mourning his death. The TV star mentioned how Nitesh was one of the few industry friends who stayed constantly in touch with her. She added that the actor had messaged her last week about a painting, and they were even planning to get their sons to meet.

“We would bond over dogs. His wife Arpita is an animal caregiver and feeder like me. I am devastated! He was so fiercely protective about me,” she said. Rupali added that when Nitesh started shooting for Anupamaa, she felt like she was working with a bestie. She remembered having seen Nitesh drive past her a few days back late at night. “We had planned to meet soon, and now I will never meet him. I can’t believe this,” the actor said.