Piyush Pandey Passes Away at 70, The Voice of Indian Advertising

Mumbai: Renowned advertising legend Piyush Pandey, the man who transformed the Indian advertising landscape with his creative genius, passed away at the age of 70 on Friday. The celebrated adman had been suffering from an infection. His last rites will be held in Mumbai at 11 am, marking the farewell of one of India’s most iconic creative minds.

For over four decades, Piyush Pandey shaped the way India viewed advertising. From the unforgettable Fevicol commercials to the heartwarming Cadbury Dairy Milk campaigns and the vibrant Asian Paints ads, his work transcended generations. The name Piyush Pandey became synonymous with creativity, emotion, and authenticity—traits that redefined how brands connected with Indian audiences.

The Piyush Pandey advertising legacy is unparalleled. As the Chief Creative Officer Worldwide and Executive Chairman India of Ogilvy, he mentored countless advertising professionals and set global benchmarks for storytelling. Every campaign he created carried a touch of humor, emotion, and Indian identity—elements that made his work stand out in a world of formulaic advertising.

Piyush Pandey joined Ogilvy in 1982, beginning his journey with an ad for Sunlight Detergent. From there, he went on to craft some of India’s most memorable campaigns, turning simple ideas into cultural phenomena. His ads for Fevicol became case studies in creative excellence, while his Cadbury campaigns—especially the “Kuch Khaas Hai Zindagi Mein” series—struck deep emotional chords across India.

The advertising world mourns the loss of Piyush Pandey, a man often called the Voice of Indian Advertising. He wasn’t just a creative leader but also a storyteller who understood India’s heart. Through his work, Piyush Pandey taught the industry how to blend simplicity with depth, humor with humanity, and marketing with emotion.

Over the years, Piyush Pandey won numerous awards and recognitions, but his greatest achievement was the impact he left on people’s minds. He gave Indian advertising a distinct identity—one rooted in culture, language, and relatable human experiences.

His passing marks the end of an era, but Piyush Pandey’s advertising genius will continue to inspire generations of creative minds. Whether it was Fevicol’s witty one-liners, Asian Paints’ emotional storytelling, or Cadbury’s celebration of joy, Piyush Pandey turned brands into memories and commercials into timeless art.

The advertising industry, celebrities, and professionals from across the globe have expressed deep sorrow at his passing, remembering him not only as a creative visionary but as a mentor, friend, and symbol of Indian creativity.

As India bids farewell to Piyush Pandey, his voice, ideas, and spirit will remain alive through the stories he told—stories that made the world laugh, think, and feel.