The Indian advertising industry has lost one of its brightest minds. Piyush Pandey, the man who gave emotion and identity to countless Indian brands, passed away on October 24, 2025, at the age of 70. His passing marks the end of an era that blended storytelling, simplicity, and deep cultural insight.
The Journey of a Creative Genius
Born in Jaipur in 1955, Piyush Pandey completed his education at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, with a master’s degree in history. Before joining advertising, he explored various professions — from tea tasting to playing cricket for Rajasthan.
His real journey began when he joined Ogilvy India in the early 1980s as a client-servicing trainee. Not long after, his creative instincts brought him into the agency’s creative department — a move that transformed both his life and the Indian advertising landscape forever.
Campaigns That Made India Smile
Piyush Pandey’s brilliance lay in crafting campaigns that were rooted in real Indian experiences. His ads felt like stories we could all relate to — emotional, funny, and memorable.
Here are a few of his most iconic creations:
- Fevicol’s “Bus Ad” — a classic that turned the idea of “strong bonds” into a cultural metaphor.
- Cadbury Dairy Milk’s “Kuch Khaas Hai” — a campaign that celebrated everyday joy and emotion.
- Asian Paints’ “Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai” — a reminder that every home tells its own story.
- Vodafone’s “Pug” and “ZooZoo” series — campaigns that became household favorites for their simplicity and charm.
- The political campaign “Ab Ki Baar Modi Sarkar” — which became a slogan known across India.
Each idea reflected his deep understanding of Indian culture, emotion, and humor. Pandey helped shift Indian advertising away from western styles, giving it a local soul and an authentic voice.
Awards and Accolades
Over his four-decade-long career, Piyush Pandey received numerous honors for his creativity and leadership:
- Padma Shri in 2016 for his contribution to advertising and communication.
- Cannes Lions – Lion of St. Mark (2018) with his brother Prasoon Pandey, the first Asian duo to ever win this prestigious lifetime achievement award.
- LIA Legend Award (2024) recognizing his global influence in brand storytelling.
Remembering the Legend- Piyush Pandey had been suffering from a severe infection and passed away following health complications. Tributes poured in from across the country — from business leaders and celebrities to colleagues and admirers.
- Leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Anand Mahindra remembered him as a man who connected India through words and emotions. Celebrities who had worked with him — including Amitabh Bachchan and Supriya Pathak — shared fond memories of his warmth and wit.
The Legacy Lives On
More than just a creative director, Piyush Pandey was a storyteller who understood the pulse of India. He believed that an advertisement should not sell — it should connect. His work continues to inspire a generation of marketers, copywriters, and brand strategists.
“An ad should make people feel — not just buy.”
— Piyush PandeyHis moustache, laughter, and larger-than-life ideas will forever remain symbols of Indian creativity.
Final Goodbye
As the industry bids farewell to the man who made us laugh, cry, and feel through his ads, one truth remains — Piyush Pandey didn’t just sell brands; he sold stories that became part of India’s memory.
Rest in peace, legend. Your ideas will live on every time a jingle makes someone smile or an ad feels like home.
