Piyush Pandey (1955–2025): The Man Who Made India Feel Through Its Ads

Piyush Pandey — the creative legend who turned advertising into an art of storytelling — passed away on October 24 at the age of 70. With him, India bids farewell to the man who made ads speak its language — earthy, emotional, and unforgettable.

For over four decades, Piyush Pandey defined what it meant to be truly Indian in advertising. His campaigns didn’t just sell products — they celebrated people, culture, and everyday quirks. From “Fevicol ka mazboot jod” to “Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai”, from the soulful “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara” to “Hindustan Ka Dil Dekho”, Pandey’s work shaped India’s emotional memory.

As the long-time Executive Chairman and Creative Director of Ogilvy India, he transformed the agency into a creative powerhouse. His leadership was rooted in authenticity — stories that felt lived in, not manufactured. Under him, brands like Fevicol, Cadbury, Asian Paints, P&G, and SBI Life found voices that became part of India’s cultural vocabulary.

“If your mother doesn’t understand your ad, start again.”— Piyush Pandey

That was his mantra — and perhaps the secret behind his unmatched ability to connect with audiences across generations. He believed great advertising should make people smile, think, and feel something real.

A Padma Shri awardee and one of India’s most celebrated creative professionals globally, Piyush Pandey’s impact went far beyond the industry. His work redefined how India saw itself — confident, colourful, and compassionate.

Behind the awards and accolades was a man who saw creativity not as craft, but as character.

In a world increasingly ruled by algorithms and analytics, Piyush Pandey remained the heart that reminded us creativity begins — and ends — with humanity.

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