October 25, 2025

Meet Piyush Pandey – the ad giant who changed India’s advertising game forever! At 70, this legend passed away after a month of illness, leaving behind a rich legacy that shaped the very soul of Indian ads. Born in Jaipur, Piyush started small, lending his voice to radio jingles with his brother before stepping into the big world of advertising in 1982, joining Ogilvy. What made Pandey a superstar? It’s simple! He broke all old rules. He brought the magic of local languages, humor, and real emotions right into the heart of Indian ads. Remember Asian Paints’ “Har khushi mein rang laaye”? Or the sweet Cadbury tagline “Kuch Khaas Hai”? How about Fevicol’s famous “Egg” film and Hutch’s adorable pug ad? These hits made everyday people smile and feel connected, not just watch commercials. Known for his iconic moustache and infectious laugh, Piyush wasn’t just Ogilvy India’s creative face for over 40 years; he was the man who gave Indian advertising its voice. Starting as a 27-year-old in a field full of English elites, he showed everyone that storytelling in Hindi and local languages packed more punch. His big achievements? Apart from bagging top awards like the Padma Shri and the LIA Legend Award, he and his brother became the first Asians to win the prestigious Lion of St. Mark at Cannes Lions in 2018. One colleague said, “He changed not just the language of Indian advertising. He changed its grammar.” Pandey believed ads must touch the heart, not just impress the brain. "Somewhere, you need to touch the hearts," he famously said. And he did just that with campaigns like “Ab ki baar, Modi sarkaar,” which helped BJP win the 2014 elections. In 2023, Piyush stepped down as Ogilvy India’s Executive Chairman but continued as an advisor, quietly closing a golden chapter. Yet, his real gift was the generations of creative souls inspired by him to keep stories real, warm, and deeply Indian. His advice? The best ideas come "from the street, from life, from listening.” Piyush Pandey didn’t just make ads; he crafted India’s own advertising language. Now, he leaves behind family, friends, and an ad world that will forever echo his voice.

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Tags: Piyush pandey, Indian advertising, Ogilvy india, Modi sarkar campaign, Advertising legend, Padma shri,