Mumbai bid farewell to one of India’s most iconic creative minds on Saturday as veteran advertising legend Piyush Pandey was cremated at the Shivaji Park Crematorium. Among those who attended his last rites were megastar Amitabh Bachchan and his son, actor Abhishek Bachchan, who came to pay their final respects. Pandey, 70, passed away on Friday morning due to pneumonia-related complications.
Tributes have poured in from across the creative and corporate worlds, highlighting Pandey’s immense influence on Indian advertising and popular culture. Shah Rukh Khan, who worked with Pandey on multiple campaigns, remembered him fondly, writing on social media: “Working and being around Piyush Pandey always felt effortless and fun. It was an honour being part of the magic he created. He carried his genius so lightly and revolutionised the ad industry in India. Rest in peace, my friend.” Business leader Anand Mahindra also paid a heartfelt tribute, recalling Pandey’s “hearty laugh” and “zest for life,” saying his joy and humanity “must never be forgotten.”
A towering figure in the world of advertising, Pandey began his journey in 1982 with Ogilvy & Mather India (now Ogilvy India), starting as a trainee account executive before moving to the creative department. Over the decades, he became synonymous with storytelling that connected deeply with Indian audiences. His most memorable work includes Asian Paints’ “Har Khushi Mein Rang Laaye,” Cadbury’s “Kuch Khaas Hai,” and Fevicol’s unforgettable “Egg” commercial — all campaigns that continue to define the golden era of Indian advertising.
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Pandey’s creative legacy extended beyond national borders. In 2004, he became the first Asian to serve as jury president at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, one of the industry’s highest honours. His contributions were later recognised with the CLIO Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and the Padma Shri, making him the first Indian advertising professional to receive the prestigious national award.
As India’s ad fraternity mourns his loss, tributes continue to flow for a man who redefined how brands communicated, blending emotion, humour, and authenticity like few others. From boardrooms to film sets, Piyush Pandey’s creative spirit leaves behind an unmatched legacy that shaped generations of advertisers and storytellers.
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