Advertising legend Piyush Pandey, known for creating some of India’s most iconic ad campaigns, passed away on Thursday, October 23.
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… pic.twitter.com/tytshG1aHK
Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) October 24, 2025
Pandey started his journey in the advertising industry in 1982 with Ogilvy India. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he crafted memorable campaigns such as Asian Paints’ “Har Khushi Mein Rang Laaye” and Cadbury’s “Kuch Khaas Hai”, leaving an indelible mark on India’s advertising landscape.
Nothing beats this advertisement showcasing journey of 60 years of Fevicol. Piyush pandey was a true legend, rest in peace. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/m2qjk4iq9G
— Ankit Jain (@indiantweeter) October 24, 2025
Piyush Pandey And His Career
He kicked off his career back in 1982 at Ogilvy India and, honestly, spent the next forty years changing the face of Indian advertising. Pandey is the mind behind unforgettable campaigns think Asian Paints’ “Har Khushi Mein Rang Laaye” or Cadbury’s “Kuch Khaas Hai.”
Piyush Pandey wasn’t just an ad man — he was one of India’s finest storytellers . He taught us that emotion is the truest language of creativity. His words made brands human, and ideas immortal. Farewell to a legend who made us feel, think, and smile.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) October 24, 2025
He had this knack for slipping Hindi and local slang into big ad campaigns, pulling brands closer to regular folks and making ads feel like part of everyday life. That’s what set him apart he made advertising speak to people, and not just at them.
Pandey grew up in Jaipur. Before ads came calling, he tried his hand at cricket, tasted tea for a living, even did construction work. At 27, he joined Ogilvy India, back when English ruled the industry. But he changed that. His work brought the language of real India into the spotlight.
You probably remember Fevicol’s “Egg” ad or that Hutch pug following the kid around those are just a couple of the campaigns that stuck with people, thanks to him. He had a way with humor and heart. He didn’t just want to sell you something he wanted to make you feel something too.
Under Pandey, Ogilvy India hit the world stage, grabbing awards for creativity and bold ideas. In 2004, he became the first Asian jury president at Cannes. Later, in 2018, he and his brother Prasoon Pandey took home the Lion of St. Mark for lifetime achievement at Cannes.
The CLIO Lifetime Achievement Award and the Padma Shri followed, making him the first ad professional in India to get that civilian honor. All the while, he kept Ogilvy India a standard for creative work that stayed true to Indian roots.
Pandey always believed ads should hit home emotionally. He managed to bridge the gap between brands and daily life his campaigns didn’t just sell products, they became part of the culture.
From political slogans like “Ab ki baar, Modi sarkar” to everyday ads, his work left a permanent mark on Indian society. People who worked with him call him humble, visionary, and always in tune with his audience. Even now, young advertisers look up to him. With his passing, it really feels like the end of an era in Indian advertising.
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Swastika Sruti is a Senior Sub Editor at NewsX Digital with 5 years of experience shaping stories that matter. She loves tracking politics- national and global trends, and never misses a chance to dig deeper into policies and developments. Passionate about what’s happening around us, she brings sharp insight and clarity to every piece she works on. When not curating news, she’s busy exploring what’s next in the world of public interest. You can reach her at [swastika.newsx@gmail.com]
