/> Asha Parekh, who did some of her most memorable roles under the direction of Shakti Samanta, says that with his death she's "lost a friend and a filmmaker who was a pleasure to work with. "

Samanta passed away here Thursday at the age of 83.

"I feel miserable because all my directors are going one after the other. Two years ago I lost another of my favourite directors Pramod Chakravorty. . . I did two fine films with Shaktida 'Kati Patang' and 'Pagla Kahin Ka', " Parekh said.

"I was supposed to do another of his earlier films that went on to be a big hit. But at that time I was reluctant. It was Shaktida's son Ashim who suggested I do 'Kati Patang'. And I'm so glad I did. I got my first Filmfare award for it. . . Shaktida was an incredible talent, " She added.

Recalling the indomitable spirit of the late ace director, she said: "Six months ago Shammi Kapoor and I accompanied him to Kolkata where he was felicitated.

At the airport Shammiji had to be taken on a wheelchair to the aircraft. But Shaktida refused the wheelchair. At the airport Shaktida and his son spent hours humming and singing the songs from their films. What music Shaktida created with R. D Burman and other composers!"

Talking about the last days of Samanta, she said: "He had such energy till almost the end although his health was deteriorating. He had to suffer a lot during the his last months.

He was in hospital to be operated for his prostrate. Then his pacemaker failed him. I'm glad the pain ended. But I've lost a friend and a filmmaker who was a pleasure to work with. "