Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 24: Piyush Pandey, the advertising maestro behind some of India’s most iconic campaigns for Fevicol, Cadbury, Asian Paints, and more, passed away on Friday at the age of 70 after battling an infection. His last rites will be performed at 11 am at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.
Known as the voice of Indian advertising, Pandey had a career spanning nearly four decades. He served as Chief Creative Officer Worldwide and Executive Chairman India of Ogilvy. Pandey joined Ogilvy in 1982, initially creating advertisements for Sunlight Detergent, and later crafted campaigns for brands including Luna Moped, Fortune Oil, and others. Under his leadership, Ogilvy India was ranked the No. 1 agency for 12 consecutive years in The Economic Times Agency Reckoner.
Pandey received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 2016. He also ventured into acting, appearing in “Madras Cafe” (2013) and ICICI Bank’s Magic Pencil Project videos, and contributed as the lyricist for “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara,” a song promoting national integration.
Tributes poured in from across industries. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called him “a titan and legend of Indian advertising,” praising his use of idioms, humor, and warmth. Kotak Mahindra Bank founder Uday Kotak remembered him as an “amazing out-of-the-box thinker,” and author Suhel Seth hailed him as “a true patriot and a fine gentleman.”
Pandey’s legacy of blending creativity with Indian sensibilities and his profound impact on advertising will continue to inspire generations.