The Indian advertising industry is bidding farewell to one of its greatest legends Piyush Pandey, a man who didn’t just create iconic campaigns, but shaped the very soul of Indian advertising. His storytelling was rooted in the everyday Indian experience warm, witty, emotional, and deeply human. From Fevicol’s humour to Cadbury’s joy, and from Asian Paints’ nostalgia to the unifying spirit of Mile Sur Mera Tumhara, Pandey’s work became woven into the country’s collective memory.
Remembering him with deep emotion, Hephzibah Pathak, CEO of Ogilvy India, shared a heartfelt tribute that beautifully captures Piyush’s essence and philosophy. “It’s hard to capture the immense impact Piyush had on us all. He was an incredible force who led the creative revolution, in Ogilvy and the industry. He didn’t just change the game for our industry; he changed our lives,” she said.
She reflected on his unwavering belief in the power of Indian-ness, a conviction that reshaped how the world viewed Indian creativity. “A giant of a leader, his fearless heart and unwavering goodness inspired us to see the world, and ourselves, differently. Piyush was all heart filled with courage, kindness, humility, and humanness,” she added.
Pathak also recalled his signature life lesson, drawn from the sport he loved most cricket. Piyush often spoke about facing both work and life “off the front foot” with optimism, courage, and conviction. “He gave us all a Ganesha, padded up in cricketing gear, playing off the front foot. That’s how he wanted you to approach work and life,” she shared.
Her words encapsulate the spirit of a man who led with empathy and conviction — a true captain who inspired generations to play their innings with heart, creativity, and confidence.
