Veteran advertising executive Piyush Pandey passed away on Friday morning at the age of 70. He was regarded as one of the most influential figures in the advertising world and was celebrated for creating some of India’s most iconic ad campaigns.
Born in Jaipur, Pandey began his connection with advertising at an early age, lending his voice along with his brother Prasoon Pandey to radio jingles.
Pandey started at Ogilvy as a trainee account executive and later moved to the creative side. Before joining Ogilvy & Mather India (now Ogilvy India) in 1982, Pandey worked in cricket, tea tasting, and construction.
He developed campaigns that became landmarks in Indian advertising, including Asian Paints' "Har khushi mein rang laaye," Cadbury's "Kuch Khaas Hai," and Fevicol's "Egg" film.
In 2004, Piyush Pandey became the first Asian to serve as jury president at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. His contributions were later recognised with the CLIO Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and the Padma Shri, making him the first Indian advertising professional to receive the national honour.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman offered her condolences and paid tribute to Pandey.
“Saddened to hear of the passing of Shri Piyush Pandey. A titan and legend of Indian advertising, he transformed communication by bringing everyday idioms, earthy humor, and genuine warmth into it. Have had opportunities to interact with him on various occasions. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire creative fraternity. His legacy will continue to inspire generations,” Sitharaman said through a post on X.
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta paid tribute to Pandey in his own advertising style, while offering his condolences.
"Fevicol ka jod toot gaya. The ad world lost its glue today. Go well Piyush Pandey," Mehta said through a post on X.
Born in Jaipur, Pandey began his connection with advertising at an early age, lending his voice along with his brother Prasoon Pandey to radio jingles.
Pandey started at Ogilvy as a trainee account executive and later moved to the creative side. Before joining Ogilvy & Mather India (now Ogilvy India) in 1982, Pandey worked in cricket, tea tasting, and construction.
He developed campaigns that became landmarks in Indian advertising, including Asian Paints' "Har khushi mein rang laaye," Cadbury's "Kuch Khaas Hai," and Fevicol's "Egg" film.
In 2004, Piyush Pandey became the first Asian to serve as jury president at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. His contributions were later recognised with the CLIO Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and the Padma Shri, making him the first Indian advertising professional to receive the national honour.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman offered her condolences and paid tribute to Pandey.
“Saddened to hear of the passing of Shri Piyush Pandey. A titan and legend of Indian advertising, he transformed communication by bringing everyday idioms, earthy humor, and genuine warmth into it. Have had opportunities to interact with him on various occasions. Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire creative fraternity. His legacy will continue to inspire generations,” Sitharaman said through a post on X.
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta paid tribute to Pandey in his own advertising style, while offering his condolences.
"Fevicol ka jod toot gaya. The ad world lost its glue today. Go well Piyush Pandey," Mehta said through a post on X.
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