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ARTICLE AD BOX
Pandey joined Ogilvy in 1982 after trying his hand as a cricketer, tea taster, and construction worker. (Express Archive)
Piyush Pandey, one of the most influential creative minds in Indian advertising, passed away on Thursday. He was 70. Credited with giving Indian advertising its own distinct tone and personality, Pandey spent more than 40 years at Ogilvy India.
His passing brings down the curtain on an era when Indian advertising found its voice at street level, not in boardrooms. Known for his booming laughter, iconic moustache, and deep love for stories rooted in everyday life, Pandey reshaped how brands spoke to people — adding emotion, authenticity, and cultural rhythm to their narratives.
Pandey joined Ogilvy in 1982 after trying his hand as a cricketer, tea taster, and construction worker. He entered the advertising world at 27. He was known for his work with brands, such as Asian Paints, Cadbury, Fevicol, and Hutch. His ads became a part of India’s cultural memory.
Sharing his sorrow, managing director (agro and oil & gas) of Adani Group Pranav Adani said, “Devastated by the passing of my very dear friend Piyush Pandey, the creative genius who shaped Indian advertising into a global powerhouse. His ideas were the industry’s benchmarks and have inspired generations of storytellers. Will sorely miss his warmth and wit.”
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, too, shared her grief on X.
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