The shock of losing her husband Aadesh Shrivastava is yet to sink into Vijayta Pandit. The grieving Vijayta is surrounded by family and friends when we catch up with her.
Making a valiant attempt to be brave in the face of adversity, Vijayta says, “This was no way to go, no age to go. Aadesh was filled with energy and laughter. He inspired all of us. Our sons worshipped their dad. The older one Anivesh was with his father in hospital constantly and could bring himself to understand the enormity of the loss. But the younger son Avitesh couldn’t take it. When his father was no more he went into shock and fainted. The doctors at the hospital had to look into our son’s treatment when Aadesh was no more.”
“Until the disease (cancer) struck him, Aadesh was the most spirited person I know. He worked on his own terms. Never went out to seek work. He fought back the disease when it first stuck him and overcame it. Even when it struck him again he put up a brave fight. But he lost. He was in so much pain. I couldn’t bear to see him like that.”
Vijayta breaks down and weeps inconsolably. “He wanted to see his sons on screen. The elder one is a talented musician. He composes songs in English. Aadesh and I took him to the US to release his first single. Unfortunately that couldn’t happen. Now it’s up to me to make sure Aadesh’s dream for his sons are fulfilled.”
During these trying times Vijayta is thankful to her family and friends. “I now realise how much Aadesh was liked. Everyone has been wonderful. My brother Lalit and his wife Meena were constantly at Aadesh’s bedside.
My friends Poonam Dhillon, Ayesha Jhulka, Alka Yagnik and Sunidhi Chauhan have been a pillar of strength. Baabul Supriyo flew in from Kolkata to be here when he heard the news. Suchitra Krishnamurthy, Sonu Nigam and Shaan have been very supportive.”
Vijayta has a special word of gratitude for Shekhar Kapoor. “Shekhar and Aadesh were very good friends. In his last days Aadesh wouldn’t eat from anybody’s hands except Shekhar’s. Every night Shekhar would come to feed him. Bachchan saab who was very close to Aadesh, couldn’t bear to see him in this condition. He couldn’t bring himself to come to the hospital. But he was on the phone with me and the doctors constantly.”
Vijaya adds, “He was in so much pain. When I think of him as healthy and handsome I miss him so much.”
