Indian advertising lost its brightest star on October 24, 2025. Piyush Pandey, the man who gave India some of its most unforgettable ads, passed away at the age of 70. For over four decades, he shaped how brands spoke to people not in borrowed Western styles, but in a voice that felt truly Indian.
He wasn’t just an adman; he was a storyteller who understood the pulse of the nation. From laughter to emotion, his words and visuals became a part of India’s everyday life.
🌟 The Man Who Made Advertising Feel Indian
Piyush Pandey joined Ogilvy India in the early 1980s and went on to become its Chief Creative Officer and Chairman. Under his leadership, Ogilvy became India’s most awarded creative agency.
He changed the way advertising was done moving away from polished, foreign styles to something more real, local, and full of life. His ads spoke in the language of Indian streets and homes.
🎬 His Most Iconic Campaigns
Here are some of the unforgettable campaigns that carry his signature touch:
Fevicol – “Fevicol ka mazboot jod hai, tootega nahi”
The ultimate example of humor, creativity, and mass appeal.Cadbury Dairy Milk – “Kuch Khaas Hai Zindagi Mein” (1993)
A beautiful ad that made chocolate feel special for everyone, not just kids.Asian Paints – “Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai” (2002)
Turned paint into emotion every home has its own story.Vodafone – ZooZoos Campaign (2010s)
Cute, fun, and unforgettable showing his playful creative side.UNICEF Polio Drive – “Do Boond Zindagi Ke”
A life-changing campaign that helped make India polio-free.BJP Campaign – “Ab Ki Baar, Modi Sarkar” (2014)
A simple political slogan that became part of everyday conversation.Mile Sur Mera Tumhara (1988)
He wrote the lyrics for this timeless anthem that united India in diversity.
🏆 Awards and Recognition
Padma Shri in 2016 for his contribution to Indian advertising.
Named “Legend” by the London International Awards in 2024.
Multiple global advertising awards across his illustrious career.
💬 What Made Him Different
Piyush Pandey believed that great advertising doesn’t sell it connects.
He built campaigns from real emotions, humor, and human stories.
Whether it was a glue brand or a political slogan, he made every message relatable.
His ads were not just seen — they were felt.
🕊️ The End of an Era
As tributes pour in from across the world, one thing is clear there will never be another Piyush Pandey. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of advertisers, marketers, and dreamers.
He taught us that creativity has no language, and emotion is the most powerful tool in communication.
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