Sameera Reddy, Who Featured In Pankaj Udhas' Ahista, Remembers Singer: "I'm Everything Because Of Him"

Sameera said, "It's sad that we have lost him"

Sameera Reddy, who featured in Pankaj Udhas' iconic music video Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein, remembered the music legend in an interview with Hindustan Times. Reacting to the music legend's death, Sameera told Hindustan Times, "I just heard, I am having chills while talking to you right now. I have tears in my eyes. I am heartbroken. It's sad that we have lost him." Pankaj Udhas died on Monday after his prolonged battle with an illness. The news of his death was confirmed by his family. They issued a statement which read, "With a very heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padma Shri Pankaj Udhas on 26 February due to a prolonged illness."

FYI, The music video Ahista was based on the story of O Henry's The Gifts Of Magi. Sameera, playing the female lead in the song, sold her hair to buy a helmet for her love interest. Recalling the impact of the song on her career, Sameera told Hindustan Times, "Today I am everything I am because of him. They spotted me and chose me. I was a young kid with no aspirations and didn't know what I was doing, but somehow I became a part of this cult song, it's one of his biggest hits. It was a privilege and honour that I was a part of it."

Sameera also recalled her first meeting with Pankaj Udhas. "I was very nervous when I met him, I was shaking and so scared because it was the first time I was facing the camera. I remember thinking, 'What have I got myself into?' But, he was just smiling through it all. He was so relaxed and never intimidated being a senior, there was no pressure," she said.