Ogilvy Executive And Ad Legend Piyush Pandey Dies At 70

Devastated & heartbroken to mourn the passing of my dear St. Stephen's College classmate, the iconic adman Piyush Pandey. Before he gave a voice to modern India's brands, he was a Stephanian—full of life, laughter, and an earthy wit — and (as the pic below confirms) a pretty good college cricketer as well. His ad campaigns touched millions, but it was his earthy charm and incredible wit, as well as his simplicity and directness, that defined him. We've lost a legend and a truly warm soul. My profound condolences to his loved ones — I have already spoken to his dear sister Tripti. May they somehow find peace to bear this loss. शांति

The adman who made us listen, feel, and remember. A storyteller of the streets. Piyush Pandey’s iconic campaigns brought warmth, culture, and audacity to the mainstream, turning ideas into emotions and ads into memories.

Working and being around Piyush Pandey always felt effortless and fun. Was an honour being part of the pure magic he created. He carried his genius so lightly and revolutionised the ad industry in India. Rest in Peace my friend. Will miss you lots.

Last year, I met Mr. Piyush Pandey, the OG of Indian advertising. Before I gave him the Lifetime Achievement Award by ET Brand Summit, I bowed to him. And in that quiet, powerful moment, he smiled and gave me his Ashirwad. Today, as we lose him, I am reminded that true legends don’t just create ads, they create generations of storytellers. Rest in peace, sir. Your work, your words, and your warmth will live on forever. Indian Advertising and Marketing world will miss you and so will I.

The legacy of Piyush Pandey Ji lives on! ‘Creativity ka jod hai… tootega nahi!’ From ‘Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai’ to ‘Do Boond Zindagi Ki’, he built brands and touched lives.

Pained by the demise of Piyush Pandey Ji. A stalwart in the advertising and communication industry, he set high standards in connecting with the masses with creativity. My condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. Om Shanti.

Kuch khaas tha… When I joined O&M, as a trainee, everyone spoke the Queen’s English. They wanted India to sound like London. And then there was Piyush Pandey, with Rajasthani moustache, sitting in a smoky corner, writing in Hindi, making words smell of mitti and sound like home. He didn’t sell brands. He sold emotions. He made us feel that Har shabd kuch kehta hai. Har insaan kuch kehta hai. That every heart, every story could speak in our own tongue. And yes, you’ll live on in every ad that feels like India, in every line that tastes meetha, meetha. Kuch nahin bahut khaas tha tum mein…. We won’t let you go from our memories, Piyush, kyonki yeh majboot jod hai, itni asaani se tootega nahin. Om Shanti.

Considered the soul of Indian advertising, Padma Shri Piyush Pandey’s contribution to the world of creativity was immense. With his ability to craft impactful, rooted, and layered stories, he gave us masterpieces that redefined the advertising landscape in India. I had the joy of working with him in 2016 on developing Rajasthan Tourism’s first-ever ad campaign ‘Jaane Kya Dikh Jaaye’. His beautiful reimagining of our vibrant and magnificent Rajasthan stands as a timeless ode to this fabled land. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and well-wishers on his untimely demise. His impactful work will continue to resonate and inspire generations to come. #PiyushPandey

Heartbroken by the loss of my dear friend and creative genius Piyush Pandey. He was the best storyteller one could ever meet. Piyush believed in and cultivated the power of branding with an indigenous twist, flavour, and creativity that put India on the global map. He had a golden & generous heart as reflected in these touching words about me. His spirit will continue to inspire us. Rest in peace, my dear friend.

Shri Piyush Pandey Ji was admired for his creativity. He made a monumental contribution to the world of advertising and communications. I will fondly cherish our interactions over the years. Saddened by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti.

Piyush Pandey was far more than just an advertising legend. He was the voice that made India believe in its own story. He gave Indian advertising its self-confidence, its soul, its “swadeshi” swagger. And he was a very good friend! Like a master batsman, he played every stroke with his heart. Today, India has lost a true son.

Sad that Piyush Pandey leaves us. He launched Kotak Mahindra Bank with a campaign in 2003, describing banking as “common sense”. Amazing out of the box thinker and a humble person. He weaved creativity with an Indian context. Will miss him.

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 condolences to his family, friends, and the entire creative fraternity. His legacy will continue to inspire generations.

Piyush Pandey entered a profession that spoke in beautifully nuanced English aur usko apni zubaan ka khubsoorat zaika pesh kiya. He flew high in the advertising world par kadam is sanskriti se alag kabhi nahi hue. He could take on layered communication needs aur usko itni aasaani se suljhaya ke hum sab waah kehte reh gaye. If you want to leave a mark in your profession, to Piyush Pandey bano. Advertising ka gold mohur. Goodbye my friend. Alvida.