Advertising maestro Piyush Pandey passes away, industry mourns

Mumbai (Uttam Hindu News): Piyush Pandey, a veteran of the Indian advertising world and considered the "Ad Guru," passed away on Thursday. He had been with Ogilvy India since 1982 and, in a career spanning more than four decades, forever transformed the world of Indian advertising. His passing has sent shockwaves across the creative and business worlds.

At the age of 27, Piyush Pandey entered the advertising industry, where English was still dominant. His unique creativity led to the creation of timeless songs like "Mile Sur Mera Tumhara," as well as memorable commercials like "Kuch Khaas Hai" for Cadbury, "Har Khushi Me Rang Laaye" for Asian Paints, and Fevicol and Hutch (now Vodafone).

Industrialist Sohail Seth expressed his deep grief on social media over his passing. He wrote, "I am deeply saddened and heartbroken by the loss of a genius like my dearest friend Piyush Pandey. India has lost not only a great advertising mind, but also a true patriot and a truly wonderful human being." Seth added emotionally, "Now in heaven, there will be dancing to 'Mile Sur Mera Tumhara.'"

Union Minister Piyush Goyal remembered him, writing, "I have no words to express my grief at the passing of Padma Shri Piyush Pandey. A colossus in the world of advertising, his creative genius redefined storytelling and gave us memorable stories." He described Pandey as a warm and witty friend, saying he leaves behind a deep void.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta recalled one of Pandey's most famous ads, writing, "Fevicol ka jod toot gaya. Today the ad world lost its glue. Piyush Pandey, go well."

Piyush Pandey was born in 1955 into a wealthy family in Jaipur. His father worked in a bank. Raised among nine siblings (seven sisters and two brothers), Pandey also played cricket for several years before entering the advertising world and proving his creative talent.