The advertising world mourns the loss of Piyush Pandey, who passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 70 after battling pneumonia. Known as the face of modern Indian advertising, Pandey’s work left an indelible mark on the industry, blending storytelling, emotion, and humour to connect with audiences across India.
In a heartfelt blog post, Amitabh Bachchan remembered his longtime friend and collaborator, describing him as “a creative genius, a most amiable friend, and guide.” He added, “The creative works he leaves behind will remain an eternal testament to his boundless creativity.” Bachchan also recalled their remarkable partnership, highlighting Pandey’s contributions to legendary campaigns like Cadbury Dairy Milk’s Pappu Pass Ho Gaya, the Polio Eradication initiative Do Boond Zindagi Ki, and the Gujarat tourism ads that became iconic landmarks of Indian television.
Piyush Pandey’s influence went far beyond individual campaigns. Starting his career in the 1980s, he rose to become Chief Creative Officer Worldwide at Ogilvy & Mather, transforming the way Indian brands communicated with their audiences.
Amitabh and Pandey shared a professional bond that spanned decades, with Bachchan’s screen presence amplifying the emotional resonance of Pandey’s campaigns. Industry peers remember him not just for his creativity, but for his warmth, humility, and dedication to storytelling that genuinely touched lives.
Piyush Pandey leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire a generation of creatives, establishing him as a towering figure in Indian advertising whose work will be remembered for years to come.
