A towering presence known for his booming laugh and trademark moustache, Pandey’s career was a series of iconic campaigns that became a cultural phenomenon. His ad portfolio includes some of the most memorable advertisements in Indian history like infectious ‘Kuch Khaas Hai Zindagi Mein’ for Cadbury Dairy Milk featuring the dancing girl, Asian Paints’ ‘Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai’, and the cute ‘ZooZoo’ characters for Vodafone. He also spearheaded public service campaigns like the ‘Do Boond Zindagi Ke’ Polio Abhiyaan with Amitabh Bachchan.
Pandey joined Ogilvy in 1982 and rose through the ranks. He not only established the agency as a global creative powerhouse but also mentored generations of creative professionals. His dedication to using local language and emotional insight gave Indian advertising its soul.
Pandey was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2016 and, alongside his brother Prasoon Pandey, received the prestigious Lion of St. Mark at the Cannes Lions in 2018.
Having stepped into an advisory role at Ogilvy in late 2023, Pandey’s passing marks the end of an era. Industry leaders, marketers, and filmmakers gave rich tributes to the veteran adman.
Indian businessman and columnist Suhel Seth wrote, “Deeply deeply saddened and devastated at the loss of the genius that my dearest friend Piyush Pandey was. India has not lost a great advertising mind, but a true patriot and a fine fine gentleman. Now the heavens will dance to Mile Sur Mera Tumhara.”
