How to talk to important people as an equal, not a fan
By Yogesh Pandey · 22 October 2026 · 2 min read
Treat them like normal people. They are human, just like us. At my first very big event, in Haryana’s entertainment industry, I was in charge of artist coordination and I was calling A-list superstars with a tiny voice. They called me “sir”. The scary version of them was one I had made up in my own head.
My first big event
I remember my first very big event in Haryana’s entertainment industry. I was the head of artist coordination. Me.
The artists were A-list superstars in music, acting and direction. In my head they were big people with an aura and an attitude. So I called them in a tiny voice: “Hello sir… sir, how are you, sir?”
And they said, “Yes, Yogesh sir, tell me.” They were calling me sir.
You are not small. You walk in expecting to be
By event day, I was sitting with them on the same sofa, in the same car, in the same hotel. They were asking me simple things: “Yogesh, can you get us that?” “Pandey ji, what is your number?”
I was small because I was too respectful. The scary version of them? I made it up, in my own head.
How to talk to famous or senior people
Treat them like normal people. They are human. Just like us.
- Before your next conversation with someone important, remind yourself that the scary version of them is one you made up.
- Talk to them the way you would talk to anyone, with the same voice.
This started as a talking-head reel. See more at @theyogeshpandey.