<p>Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek Bachchan paid their final respects to legendary adman Piyush Pandey, who passed away on Friday due to pneumonia complications. The funeral was held on Saturday at Shivaji Park Crematorium, where family, friends, and industry colleagues gathered to bid farewell to the creative visionary.&nbsp;</p><h2>The Bachchan family paid final respects</h2><p>Dressed in traditional white, Amitabh and Abhishek were seen offering condolences to Pandey’s sister, singer-actor Ila Arun, and her family. In videos from the venue, Amitabh was seen folding his hands as a mark of respect, briefly interacting with Ila Arun’s daughter Ishitta Arun before leaving the site with Abhishek.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/drishyam-3-here-s-why-paresh-rawal-rejected-ajay-devgn-s-thriller-1761379170556"><strong>Drishyam 3: Here's why Paresh Rawal rejected Ajay Devgn’s thriller</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/why-won-t-shraddha-kapoor-s-stree-3-release-in-2026-dinesh-vijan-reveals-the-real-reason-1761359369403"><strong>Why won’t Stree 3 release in 2026? Dinesh Vijan reveals the real reason</strong></a></p><h2>Amitabh's note for Piyush Pandey</h2><p>Amitabh, who shared a close professional bond with Pandey, penned an emotional note on his blog after learning of his demise. Calling him a “creative genius, amiable friend, and guide,” Bachchan wrote, “No words to express our grief… The creative works left behind by him shall ever be an eternal emblem of his immeasurable creativity. Shocked! Speechless!!”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The two had collaborated on several government campaigns, including the iconic ‘Do Boond Zindagi Ki’ polio awareness initiative and the ‘Khushboo Gujarat Ki’ tourism series, which featured Amitabh as the face of the campaign.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/munna-bhai-3-in-works-arshad-warsi-gives-major-update-on-sanjay-dutt-s-movie-1761318016550"><strong>Munna Bhai 3 in WORKS! Arshad Warsi gives major update on Sanjay Dutt's movie</strong></a></p><h2>Tributes from across the country</h2><p>Tributes poured in from across the country as the news of Pandey’s passing spread. Shah Rukh Khan remembered him as someone who “carried his genius so lightly,” while Anand Mahindra praised his “hearty laugh and irrepressible zest for life,” adding that Pandey’s work taught everyone that “even in the serious business of persuasion, joy and humanity must never be forgotten.”</p><h2>Who was Piyush Pandey</h2><p>Piyush Pandey, 70, began his journey with Ogilvy &amp; Mather India (now Ogilvy India) in 1982 as a trainee account executive before moving into creative work. Over the next four decades, he transformed the Indian advertising landscape, creating timeless campaigns such as Asian Paints’ ‘Har Khushi Mein Rang Laaye’, Cadbury’s ‘Kuch Khaas Hai’, and Fevicol’s iconic ‘Egg’ film.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/amaal-mallik-to-leave-bigg-boss-19-house-due-to-health-reason-here-s-what-report-says-1761313792283"><strong>Amaal Mallik to leave Bigg Boss 19 house due to health reason? Reports</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>His brilliance earned him global recognition. In 2004, he became the first Asian jury president at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, and later received the CLIO Lifetime Achievement Award (2012). In 2016, he was honoured with the Padma Shri, becoming the first Indian advertising professional to receive the national award. Pandey also made a brief foray into cinema, appearing in Shoojit Sircar’s 2013 film Madras Cafe.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan paid their respects to the legendary adman Piyush Pandey during his funeral at Shivaji Park Crematorium. 

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek Bachchan paid their final respects to legendary adman Piyush Pandey, who passed away on Friday due to pneumonia complications. The funeral was held on Saturday at Shivaji Park Crematorium, where family, friends, and industry colleagues gathered to bid farewell to the creative visionary. The Bachchan family paid final respects Dressed in traditional white, Amitabh and Abhishek were seen offering condolences to Pandey’s sister, singer-actor Ila Arun, and her family. In videos from the venue, Amitabh was seen folding his hands as a mark of respect, briefly interacting with Ila Arun’s daughter Ishitta Arun before leaving the site with Abhishek. Also Read: Drishyam 3: Here's why Paresh Rawal rejected Ajay Devgn’s thriller

<p>Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan paid their respects to the legendary adman Piyush Pandey during his funeral at Shivaji Park Crematorium.&nbsp;</p>

Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek attend funeral of ad icon Piyush Pandey in Mumbai

  Piyush Pandey: Padma Shri awardee and advertising pioneer Piyush Pandey, the creative mind behind some of India’s most beloved campaigns for Fevicol, Cadbury, and Asian Paints, passed away at the age of 70. Known as the architect of Indian advertising, Pandey spent over four decades at Ogilvy India, where he shaped the brand storytelling landscape with emotion, cultural resonance, and wit.

Piyush Pandey: Advertising Legend Creator of Iconic Fevicol and Cadbury Ads, Passes Away at 70

<p>From creating famous jingles to making Cadbury Dairy Milk, the household chocolate of India, Piyush Pandey brought brands to life.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The man with the iconic moustache made billions of people feel the stories, building a deep connection between brands and Indians across generations. Pandey, the creative force behind some of India’s most memorable ad campaigns, passed away on Thursday(Oct 23) at the age of 70, reportedly due to an infection.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout his life, he has transformed the Indian advertising field like no other. But did you know that he had also given the famous tagline "Ab Ki Baar, Modi Sarkar," which was used in a BJP campaign for 2014 election.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/piyush-pandey-passes-away-at-70-recalling-his-most-famous-ads-from-fevicol-to-cadbury-1761282969438">Piyush Pandey passes away at 70: Recalling his most famous ads</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Paying tribute to the ad legend, PM Narendra Modi in a post called Panday, ''a monumental contribution to the world of advertising and communications.'</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">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.</p>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1981599598050472237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>''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,'' Modi wrote.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In a 2014 interview with Indian news channel ABP news, Pandey talked about building an ad campaign after BJP won the election, saying, he is only a fielder, who has played with the team.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/did-you-know-piyush-pandey-wrote-mile-sur-mera-tumhara-revisiting-the-iconic-song-1761289069878"><strong>Did you know Piyush Pandey wrote Mile Sur Mera Tumhara? Revisiting the song</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Talking about the tagline, Pandey said that the line captured the spirit of Modi during 2014 election.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Panday, who was the Chief Creative Officer Worldwide and Executive Chairman India of Ogilvy, has left an unmatched legacy.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In his career-spanning several decades, he has behind the iconic ads such as&nbsp;Cadbury's 'Kuch Khaas Hai', Asian Paints' 'Har Khushi Mein Rang Laye' to Vodafone's iconic pug ad.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Piyush Pandey, the man who proved that seconds are enough to tell a story. In his career-spanning decades, Pandey, a pioneer in India’s advertising industry, has given several iconic ads, from Cadbury’s 'Kuch Khaas Hai' to polio vaccine campaign.

From creating famous jingles to making Cadbury Dairy Milk, the household chocolate of India, Piyush Pandey brought brands to life. The man with the iconic moustache made billions of people feel the stories, building a deep connection between brands and Indians across generations. Pandey, the creative force behind some of India’s most memorable ad campaigns, passed away on Thursday(Oct 23) at the age of 70, reportedly due to an infection. Throughout his life, he has transformed the Indian advertising field like no other. But did you know that he had also given the famous tagline "Ab Ki Baar, Modi Sarkar," which was used in a BJP campaign for 2014 election. Also read: Piyush Pandey passes away at 70: Recalling his most famous ads Paying tribute to the ad legend, PM Narendra Modi in a post called Panday, ''a monumental contribution to the world of advertising and communications.'

<p>&nbsp;Piyush Pandey, the man who proved that seconds are enough to tell a story. In his career-spanning decades, Pandey, a pioneer in India’s advertising industry, has given several iconic ads, from Cadbury’s 'Kuch Khaas Hai' to polio vaccine campaign.</p>

Did you know Piyush Pandey gave PM Modi his famous election slogan, 'Ab Ki Baar, Modi Sarkar'?

<p>The legendary ad-man, Piyush Pandey, has passed away. The man behind some of the most Iconic Indian ads was one of the biggest names in the Indian advertising industry. Credited for making iconic ads of brands like Cadbury, Fevicol, Asian Paints, Ponds and many more, Pandey's creatives tapped into the emotions of consumers and were able to connect with the viewers.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In a career spanning over four decades, Pandey set a new standard for advertising in Indian languages, which was, till then, dominated by an English-speaking audience. Some of his ads became movements, and part of pop culture- and remain iconic to date. Let's recall some of his biggest brand campaigns that have left a mark forever in our hearts.&nbsp;</p><h2>Who was Piyush Pandey?</h2><p>In an English-dominated ad world, Piyush Pandey created a unique space using Indian catchphrases, focusing on stories rooted in everyday life. People started picking up his signature lines from the ads and used them in their day-to-day lives. Under Pandey's leadership, ads were no longer just about selling products but about rich storytelling from the heart of India.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pandey spent over four decades leading Ogilvy India and created some remarkable ads that made him a stalwart in the industry.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He then became its Executive Chairman and Creative Director of the company, spearheading some incredible ad campaigns for Ogilvy.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In 2016, the advertising professional was honoured with a Padma Shri award and the LIA Legend Award for excellence and great achievements.</p><h2>Iconic Ads by Piyush Pandey: From Sunlight Detergent to Cadbury</h2><h3>Sunlight Detergent</h3><p>In 1982, Piyush Pandey wrote his very first advertisement for the Sunlight detergent. In that time, he worked as a client servicing executive for Ogilvy, but marked his presence with his first print campaign.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tv-host-kuya-kim-announces-the-tragic-death-of-his-daughter-emman-know-more-about-the-social-media-influencer-1761282731757"><strong>TV host Kuya Kim announces the tragic death of his daughter Emman; know more about the social media influencer</strong></a></p><h3>Cadbury Dairy Milk- <i>Kuch Khaas Hai Hum Sabhi Mein</i></h3><p>In 1993, Pandey created ads for Cadbury Dairy Milk. The advertisement showcases a young girl dancing on the cricket field after her boyfriend hits a six. The moment remains in our collective memory for years on. The girl wasn't just celebrating a win, but rather she was celebrating freedom, joy, and everyday emotions that highlighted the signature line of the advertisements, “<i>Kuch Khaas Hai Hum Sabhi Mein.</i>”</p>

<h3>Hutch-pug&nbsp;</h3><p>Pandey created the iconic pug ad campaign for Hutch mobile network (now Vodafone), featuring a pug dog and a little boy. The pug eventually became the face of the brand. The advertisement has its signature line, "wherever you go, our network follows," in which it shows a loyal dog following the boy everywhere.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/friday-ott-releases-24-october-2025-watch-upcoming-movies-and-tv-shows-on-netflix-amazon-prime-jiohotstar-and-more-1761119071657"><strong>Friday OTT Releases (24 October, 2025): Watch upcoming movies and TV shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime, JioHotstar and more</strong></a></p><h3>Ponds Googly Woogly Woosh</h3><p>An iconic Ponds Cold Cream advertisement, known for its renowned clink, “Googly Woogly Woosh,” was a classic example of rooting an advertisement to Indian values in simple yet relatable emotions for the consumers.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>Fevicol- Fevicol Ka Mazboot Jod</strong></h3><p>Piyush Pandey's Fevicol ads came through in the most relatable, humorous way that turned into household discussions. The ads depict exaggerated situations showcasing the strong bond of the product, making a bus sturdy and an egg unbreakable. The popularity of the Egg ad is seen as a significant shift in the advertising industry.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Asian Paints-<i> Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai</i></h3><p>In 2007, a remarkable ad of Asian Paints created by Piyush Pandey with the inscribed line, “<i>Har ghar kuch kehta hai," </i>became an instant hit. With this campaign, Pandey brought to life the powerful concept that celebrates the feeling of "home." The ad was based on the fact that homes are crucial in reflecting the souls of its inhabitants.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/did-you-know-piyush-pandey-wrote-mile-sur-mera-tumhara-revisiting-the-iconic-song-1761289069878"><strong>Did you know Piyush Pandey wrote Mile Sur Mera Tumhara? Revisiting the iconic song</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bill-gates-appears-on-kyunki-saas-bhi-kabhi-bahu-thi-greets-smriti-irani-with-a-jai-shri-krishna-1761278008833"><strong> Bill Gates appears on Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, greets Smriti Irani with a ‘Jai Shri Krishna’</strong></a></p>

Piyush Pandey, the iconic ad guru behind unforgettable ads like Cadbury and Fevicol, passed away on Friday (24 October 2025). The legend is credited with revolutionising Indian advertising, which, till the 1980s, was mostly attributed to English English-speaking audience. 

The legendary ad-man, Piyush Pandey, has passed away. The man behind some of the most Iconic Indian ads was one of the biggest names in the Indian advertising industry. Credited for making iconic ads of brands like Cadbury, Fevicol, Asian Paints, Ponds and many more, Pandey's creatives tapped into the emotions of consumers and were able to connect with the viewers. In a career spanning over four decades, Pandey set a new standard for advertising in Indian languages, which was, till then, dominated by an English-speaking audience. Some of his ads became movements, and part of pop culture- and remain iconic to date. Let's recall some of his biggest brand campaigns that have left a mark forever in our hearts. Who was Piyush Pandey? In an English-dominated ad world, Piyush Pandey created a unique space using Indian catchphrases, focusing on stories rooted in everyday life. People started picking up his signature lines from the ads and used them in their day-to-day lives. Under Pandey's leadership, ads were no longer just about selling products but about rich storytelling from the heart of India. Pandey spent over four decades leading Ogilvy India and created some remarkable ads that made him a stalwart in the industry. He then became its Executive Chairman and Creative Director of the company, spearheading some incredible ad campaigns for Ogilvy. In 2016, the advertising professional was honoured with a Padma Shri award and the LIA Legend Award for excellence and great achievements. Iconic Ads by Piyush Pandey: From Sunlight Detergent to Cadbury Sunlight Detergent In 1982, Piyush Pandey wrote his very first advertisement for the Sunlight detergent. In that time, he worked as a client servicing executive for Ogilvy, but marked his presence with his first print campaign. Also Read: TV host Kuya Kim announces the tragic death of his daughter Emman; know more about the social media influencer Cadbury Dairy Milk- Kuch Khaas Hai Hum Sabhi Mein In 1993, Pandey created ads for Cadbury Dairy Milk. The advertisement showcases a young girl dancing on the cricket field after her boyfriend hits a six. The moment remains in our collective memory for years on. The girl wasn't just celebrating a win, but rather she was celebrating freedom, joy, and everyday emotions that highlighted the signature line of the advertisements, “Kuch Khaas Hai Hum Sabhi Mein.”

<p>Piyush Pandey, the iconic ad guru behind unforgettable ads like Cadbury and Fevicol, passed away on Friday (24 October 2025). The legend is credited with revolutionising Indian advertising, which, till the 1980s, was mostly attributed to English English-speaking audience.&nbsp;</p>

Piyush Pandey passes away at 70: Recalling his most famous ads- from Fevicol to Cadbury

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>No one understood India and its diversity as much as Piyush Pandey. The adman, often credited for revolutionising Indian advertisement, wrote the iconic song Mile Sur Mera Tumhara, much before he became the face of the advertising industry. &nbsp;The song, which was first released in 1988, was composed by Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, who also featured in the opening shot of the music video. Pandey, back then a 30-something old writer and an account manager of advertising agency Ogilvy and Mather India, captured the beauty of India’s diverse ethnicity and culture into a song which remains iconic nearly four decades on. It was a moment that really celebrated India in its true sense, a song that remains a true representation of nationalism in India.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>History of Mile Sur Mera Tumhara</h2><p>The project was reportedly aimed at promoting national integration and instilling a sense of pride among Indians about their vast ethnicity, highlighting the different linguistic communities and cultures and promoting unity in diversity.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Developed by &nbsp;Lok Seva Sanchar Parishad&nbsp;and promoted and aired on the country’s National network, Doordarshan, the project was conceived by Suresh Mallik and Kailash Surendranath, who also directed the iconic music video.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pandit Joshi composed the song in Raag Bhairavi, which could blend both Hindustani and Classic Carnatic traditions into one tune seamlessly. Louis Banks, who arranged the music, blended the Western tunes into the song.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pandey wrote the lyrics, which reportedly went through 17 drafts before the 18th one was approved. The lyrics were not just in Hindi but also in Kashmiri, Bangla, Oriya, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Konkani, Punjabi, Sindhi, Urdu, and &nbsp;Assamese- languages present in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution at the time.</p>

<h2>More about Mile Sur Mera Tumhara music video</h2><p>Mile Sur was first telecast on Independence Day, 1988, soon after the Prime Minister’s speech from the Red Fort.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The song, mostly played between bulletins and programs on DD, featured celebrities and achievers from all walks of life. From singers, film stars, to artists, writers to cricketers and commentators, it was a star-studded video that truly captured the essence of the rich Indian culture and diverse topography.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Many would recall, it featured Bhimsen Joshi in the opening shot. It also featured a young Kamal Haasan sitting on a beach in Tamil Nadu, Amitabh Bachchan, Jeetendra and Mithu Chakraborty standing arm in arms together and singing the song. The song also featured celebrities like Hema Malini, Mallika Sarabhai, Waheeda Rehman, Sharmila Tagore, Madan Lal, Deepa Sahi, and Om Puri, among others.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also see: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/piyush-pandey-passes-away-at-70-recalling-his-most-famous-ads-from-fevicol-to-cadbury-1761282969438"><strong>Piyush Pandey passes away at 70: Recalling his most famous ads- from Fevicol to Cadbury</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Kamal Haasan was not supposed to be part of the music video. His cameo was unplanned. Turns out he had accompanied his music guru, M Balamuralikrishn,a to the shoot and agreed to feature in the video at the last minute.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The song was sung by Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Vidwaan Sri M Balamuralikrishna, Lata Mangeshkar, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Shubhangi Bose, Suchitra Mitra, R A Rama Mani, Ananda Shankar, and Poornima.</p>

No song beautifully captures India's diversity as Mile Sur Mera Tumhara. Ad-man Piyush Pandey, who passed away on Friday, was 30- something ad man when he first wrote the song. It went through 17 drafts before the 18th one was approved. 

No one understood India and its diversity as much as Piyush Pandey. The adman, often credited for revolutionising Indian advertisement, wrote the iconic song Mile Sur Mera Tumhara, much before he became the face of the advertising industry. The song, which was first released in 1988, was composed by Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, who also featured in the opening shot of the music video. Pandey, back then a 30-something old writer and an account manager of advertising agency Ogilvy and Mather India, captured the beauty of India’s diverse ethnicity and culture into a song which remains iconic nearly four decades on. It was a moment that really celebrated India in its true sense, a song that remains a true representation of nationalism in India. History of Mile Sur Mera Tumhara The project was reportedly aimed at promoting national integration and instilling a sense of pride among Indians about their vast ethnicity, highlighting the different linguistic communities and cultures and promoting unity in diversity. Developed by Lok Seva Sanchar Parishad and promoted and aired on the country’s National network, Doordarshan, the project was conceived by Suresh Mallik and Kailash Surendranath, who also directed the iconic music video. Pandit Joshi composed the song in Raag Bhairavi, which could blend both Hindustani and Classic Carnatic traditions into one tune seamlessly. Louis Banks, who arranged the music, blended the Western tunes into the song. Pandey wrote the lyrics, which reportedly went through 17 drafts before the 18th one was approved. The lyrics were not just in Hindi but also in Kashmiri, Bangla, Oriya, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Konkani, Punjabi, Sindhi, Urdu, and Assamese- languages present in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution at the time.

<p>No song beautifully captures India's diversity as Mile Sur Mera Tumhara. Ad-man Piyush Pandey, who passed away on Friday, was a 30-something ad man when he first wrote the song. It went through 17 drafts before the 18th one was approved.&nbsp;</p>

Did you know Piyush Pandey wrote Mile Sur Mera Tumhara? Revisiting the iconic song

<p>It’s the end of an era as Priyush Pandey, often called the architect of Indian advertising, has passed away. Pandey died on Friday at the age of 70. The creative visionary transformed Indian advertising in the 1990s and set a template that is emulated nearly four decades on.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For over four decades, Pandey stood as the face of Ogilvy India - and of Indian advertising itself. Pandey, with his trademark moustache and booming laugh, was known to have a deep understanding of the Indian consumer and created ads which were deeply rooted in Indian ethics. The ads became iconic and moved things in Indian advertising, which, before Pandey, was restricted to only an English-speaking audience.&nbsp;</p><h2>Early beginnings of Piyush Pandey</h2><p>Born in Jaipur, Pandey’s first tryst with advertising came early, when he and his brother Prasoon voiced radio jingles for everyday products. Before joining Ogilvy in 1982, he dabbled in cricket, tea tasting, and construction work. But it was at Ogilvy that he found his calling - and went on to redefine Indian advertising.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pandey is credited with iconic ads which were deeply rooted in Indian sentiments. At 27, he had entered an industry which was dubbed as elitist and strictly English-speaking. It was Pandey who was able to mould a new structure and gave India campaigns like Asian Paints’ <i>“Har khushi mein rang laaye”, </i>Cadbury’s <i>“Kuch Khaas Hai”,</i> Fevicol’s iconic <i>“Egg”</i> film.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most of the ads created by Pandey became part of daily conversation and subsequently an essential part of pop culture.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/did-you-know-piyush-pandey-wrote-mile-sur-mera-tumhara-revisiting-the-iconic-song-1761289069878"><strong>Did you know Piyush Pandey wrote Mile Sur Mera Tumhara? Revisiting the song</strong></a></p><h2>Awards and adulations</h2><p>Under his leadership, Ogilvy India became one of the most awarded agencies in the world. In 2018, he and his brother Prasoon Pandey became the first Asians to receive the Lion of St. Mark - Cannes Lions’ lifetime achievement honour — for taking Indian advertisement on global stage.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pandey was also the first Asian jury president at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004. He later received the CLIO Lifetime Achievement Award (2012) and was honoured with the Padma Shri, becoming the first person from Indian advertising to get the honour.&nbsp;</p><h2>PM Modi and others pay rich tributes to Piyush Pandey&nbsp;</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As the stalwart passed away, politicians, industrialists and others took to social media to pay rich tribute to him.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>PM Modi, whose campaign tagline in 2014- “<i>Ab ki baar, Modi Sarkaar</i>”- was coined by Piyush Pandey, wrote a rich tribute for the creative genius.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“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.”&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a post on X, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "A titan and legend of Indian advertising, he transformed communication by bringing everyday idioms, earthy humour, and genuine warmth into it."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/piyush-pandey-passes-away-at-70-recalling-his-most-famous-ads-from-fevicol-to-cadbury-1761282969438"><strong>Piyush Pandey passes away at 70: Recalling his most famous ads- from Fevicol to Cadbury</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"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," Sitharaman added.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saddened to hear of the passing of Shri Piyush Pandey. <br><br>A titan and legend of Indian advertising, he transformed communication by bringing everyday idioms, earthy humor, and genuine warmth into it. <br><br>Have had opportunities to interact with him on various occasions.<br><br>Heartfelt… <a href="https://t.co/tytshG1aHK">pic.twitter.com/tytshG1aHK</a></p>&mdash; Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman/status/1981583619161567684?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>"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," Kotak Mahindra Bank Founder Uday Kotak said.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">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. <a href="https://t.co/98o4KiUiT0">pic.twitter.com/98o4KiUiT0</a></p>&mdash; Uday Kotak (@udaykotak) <a href="https://twitter.com/udaykotak/status/1981584437822554256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p> </p><p>Calling Pandey his "dearest friend," author-columnist and adman Suhel Seth said, "India has not lost a just a great advertising mind but a true patriot and a fine fine gentleman. Now the heavens will dance to Mile Sur Mera Tumhara."</p><p> </p>

Piyush Pandey, the Indian ad guru who revolutionised Indian advertisements in the 1990s, has passed away at the age of 70. Pandey is credited for creating iconic ads for brands like Asian Paints, Cadbury and more. 

It’s the end of an era as Priyush Pandey, often called the architect of Indian advertising, has passed away. Pandey died on Friday at the age of 70. The creative visionary transformed Indian advertising in the 1990s and set a template that is emulated nearly four decades on. For over four decades, Pandey stood as the face of Ogilvy India - and of Indian advertising itself. Pandey, with his trademark moustache and booming laugh, was known to have a deep understanding of the Indian consumer and created ads which were deeply rooted in Indian ethics. The ads became iconic and moved things in Indian advertising, which, before Pandey, was restricted to only an English-speaking audience. Early beginnings of Piyush Pandey Born in Jaipur, Pandey’s first tryst with advertising came early, when he and his brother Prasoon voiced radio jingles for everyday products. Before joining Ogilvy in 1982, he dabbled in cricket, tea tasting, and construction work. But it was at Ogilvy that he found his calling - and went on to redefine Indian advertising. Pandey is credited with iconic ads which were deeply rooted in Indian sentiments. At 27, he had entered an industry which was dubbed as elitist and strictly English-speaking. It was Pandey who was able to mould a new structure and gave India campaigns like Asian Paints’ “Har khushi mein rang laaye”, Cadbury’s “Kuch Khaas Hai”, Fevicol’s iconic “Egg” film.

<p>Piyush Pandey, the Indian ad guru who revolutionised Indian advertisements in the 1990s, has passed away at the age of 70. Pandey is credited for creating iconic ads for brands like Asian Paints, Cadbury and more.&nbsp;</p>

Piyush Pandey, the creative genius behind iconic Indian advertisements, passes away at 70

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Piyush Pandey passes away at 70: Recalling his most famous ads

Did you know Piyush Pandey wrote Mile Sur Mera Tumhara? Revisiting the song

Piyush Pandey, the creative genius behind iconic Indian ads, passes away at 70