Piyush Pandey, Indian Ad Legend, Dies

Peeyush Pandey, a legendary figure in Indian advertising, passed away at the age of 70 on Thursday after a month-long illness. Known for his distinctive moustache, hearty laugh, and profound insight into Indian consumers, Pandey transformed advertising from English-speaking displays into stories reflecting everyday life and heartfelt emotion. He joined Ogilvy India in 1982 and played a pivotal role in its growth into one of the most awarded agencies globally. His iconic campaigns for brands such as Asian Paints, Mondelez International — Cadbury, Fevicol, and Hutch became part of popular culture. In 2018, he and his brother, Prasoon Pandey, became the first Asians to receive the Lion of St. Mark at Cannes Lions. Pandey stepped down as Executive Chairman of Ogilvy India in 2023 to take on an advisory role, leaving behind a legacy credited with giving Indian advertising its confidence and identity. He also helped shape the political slogan 'Ab ki baar, Modi sarkar'. His philosophy emphasized connecting with people's hearts, believing that the best ideas come 'from the street, from life, from listening'. He was also a recipient of the Padma Shri.