Piyush Pandey, Padma Shri Awardee And Icon Of Indian Advertising, Dies At 70
Piyush Pandey, the legendary adman who redefined the language and soul of Indian advertising, died on Friday at the age of 70. Widely regarded as the creative force who made Indian ads truly Indian, Pandey’s four-decade journey with Ogilvy India transformed how brands spoke to the country’s heart.
A Padma Shri recipient and Chief Creative Officer Worldwide of Ogilvy, Pandey was known for infusing warmth, humour, and humanity into his work — turning advertisements into cultural memories.
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
His iconic campaigns for Fevicol, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Asian Paints, and Hutch (Vodafone) remain etched in the collective consciousness of Indian audiences.
Born in Jaipur in 1955, Pandey studied history at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and briefly played Ranji Trophy cricket before entering advertising. He joined Ogilvy in 1982, starting in client servicing before moving into creative, where his storytelling instincts reshaped the industry’s direction.
His early campaigns broke away from Western templates, using local idioms, emotions, and humour that reflected real Indian life.
Under his leadership, Ogilvy India grew into one of the world’s most awarded creative agencies, earning global recognition and multiple Cannes Lions. In 2018, Pandey and his brother Prasoon Pandey became the first Asians to receive the Lion of St. Mark, Cannes’ highest creative honour.
Pandey also crafted some of India’s most unforgettable slogans, including “Ab Ki Baar, Modi Sarkar” during the 2014 general elections, and led socially impactful campaigns like ‘Polio with Amitabh Bachchan’ and ‘Bell Bajao’ for women’s safety.
Beyond advertising, he authored two books — Pandeymonium (2015) and Open House with Piyush Pandey (2022) — offering insights into his creative philosophy and experiences. He also appeared in films such as Madras Café, reflecting his versatile artistic interests.
In 2023, after more than four decades with Ogilvy, Pandey stepped down as Executive Chairman to take on an advisory role, marking the end of an era in Indian advertising.
Piyush Pandey is survived by his wife Nita Pandey, his brother Prasoon Pandey, and sister Ila Arun. His legacy, however, will continue to echo in every jingle, story, and smile that celebrates the essence of India.
