Aadesh Shrivastava, the incredibly talented music composer, left us in 2015 after bravely fighting cancer. His wife, the lovely Vijayta Pandit, a well-known Bollywood actress and playback singer, captured hearts with her role in Love Story (1981). Recently, in a heartfelt interview, Vijayta made a heartfelt plea to the one and only Shah Rukh Khan, urging him to fulfill his promise of supporting her son, Avitesh, in his Bollywood journey. She gently reminded him of the commitment made to her late husband and added a poignant note, “God has blessed him abundantly, so now it’s time to honor his word.”
In a candid conversation with Indian Express, Vijayta Pandit expressed her disappointment that Shah Rukh Khan and his team have not responded to her attempts to reach out to them. As the sole guiding force for her son Avitesh, she feels a deep sense of responsibility to nurture his talents, especially after the passing of Aadesh.
Recalling the emotional moment when Aadesh gestured towards Avitesh while in the hospital, signaling towards his bright future, Vijayta believes it’s time for her son to shine in prominent roles. Despite her persistent efforts, including multiple attempts to contact SRK’s secretary Pooja Dadlani, Vijayta still holds Shah Rukh Khan in high esteem, describing him as a compassionate and genuine soul.
She shared, “Even after speaking up, nothing has progressed. I tried reaching out again, but unfortunately, my calls to his secretary, Pooja Dadlani, went unanswered. Shah Rukh Khan is truly a gem, a kind-hearted individual.”
Fondly reminiscing about her initial interaction with Shah Rukh Khan during the filming of Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Vijayta recalled visiting his humble abode on Carter Road with Jatin and Lalit. They were warmly welcomed by SRK, whose eyes sparkled with joy at the sight of her. The cozy house, nestled in an old building, had a simple charm with mattresses serving as seating in the snug living room.
Gauri Khan, his gracious wife, served them chilled drinks, while Shah Rukh enthusiastically praised Vijayta’s work and marveled at the compactness of Mumbai homes. This memory beautifully underscored the modest beginnings of one of Bollywood’s brightest stars.
Vijayta reflected on how Shah Rukh Khan was just embarking on his journey in the industry when they first crossed paths and how he has since soared to great heights, now residing in the iconic Mannat bungalow. With all the success he has achieved, she believes it’s time for him to uphold the pledge made to Aadesh. “With all the blessings he has received, it’s his time to fulfill his promise. I’m not asking for a role in a film; just a recommendation. Assist him in auditioning,” she expressed.
In a heart-to-heart with Lehren Retro, Vijayta revealed that her son Avitesh has been tirelessly collaborating with talents like Akon and French Montana. However, she voiced her frustration at the lack of support he is encountering from the film fraternity. With Aadesh no longer by their side, she emphasized the importance of others stepping in to nurture her son’s potential.
She recounted the poignant moment when Aadesh, on the brink of departing, grasped Shah Rukh Khan’s hand in the hospital, indicating that he should watch over Avitesh. Now, faced with hurdles in contacting Shah Rukh, she urged him to recollect their bond of friendship. Vijayta stressed that Avitesh, embodying her family’s hopes for the future, deserves patronage, proposing that Shah Rukh could possibly produce a film for him under Red Chillies Entertainment.