Advertising Legend Piyush Pandey Passes Away at 70: The Man Who Gave India Its Voice

Piyush Pandey Passes Away: Advertising icon and creative genius Piyush Pandey is no more. He passed away at the age of 70, marking the end of an era that redefined Indian advertising. His voice, vision, and desi storytelling forever changed how India connected with brands. Also Read: Medha Shankr pens a warm note upon revisiting the memory of attending Sonu Nigam's concert during childhood, recalls being "overwhelmed"

The Ogilvy Journey

Pandey began his remarkable journey with Ogilvy in 1982 as a client servicing executive, handling brands like Sunlight. Within six years, he moved to the creative department — and from there, there was no looking back. His knack for storytelling and his understanding of Indian sentiment made him a creative force to reckon with.

Champion of Indian Voice

Piyush Pandey was known for introducing an authentic Indian tone to advertising. At a time when ads were modeled after Western styles, he infused local flavor — culture, language, humor, and emotion. His work reflected the real India — heartfelt, relatable, and unforgettable.

Creative Legacy Lives On

As Chief Creative Officer Worldwide and Executive Chairman India at Ogilvy, Pandey’s influence spread globally. His contribution earned him numerous awards, including the LIA Legend Award (2024) and Padma Shri (2016). But his true legacy lies in the emotional connect his campaigns built with everyday Indians.

Iconic Campaigns That Defined Eras

From laughter to nostalgia, Pandey’s creations touched every emotion. Some of his legendary works include:

• Fevicol & Fevikwik: “Todo Nahi, Jodo” and the classic bus stuck with Fevicol ad.
• Cadbury Dairy Milk: Kuch Khaas Hai Zindagi Mein.
• Asian Paints: Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai.
• Vodafone ZooZoos that captured hearts.
• Bajaj: Hamara Bajaj celebrating Indian pride.
• Political Campaigns: The iconic “Abki Baar Modi Sarkar” slogan.
• Collaborations with Amitabh Bachchan for Polio Abhiyaan.

Each campaign reflected Pandey’s philosophy — keep it simple, make it emotional, and let it speak to the heart.

Piyush Pandey's Timeless Inspiration

Piyush Pandey’s work continues to inspire generations of creatives. He proved that advertising isn’t just about selling — it’s about storytelling. His ideas will keep echoing in India’s ad world, reminding us that emotion is the strongest form of communication. Also Read: Emraan Hashmi & Yami Gautam’s Captivating On-Screen Bond Shines in this soulful track by Vishal Mishra