Mumbai: The Advertising Club Trivandrum hosted a special edition of its signature Living Room Session last evening, paying homage to the extraordinary legacy of India’s most celebrated advertising icon, Piyush Pandey. The session brought together industry leaders, young professionals, and students to reflect on the creative genius whose work shaped modern Indian advertising.
The evening was moderated by BR Swarup, Co-founder of Stark Communications, and featured acclaimed Producer and Co-founder of Nirvana Films, Sneha Iype, who offered an intimate and deeply personal reflection on Pandey’s life and remarkable body of work. Introducing her, Swarup described Sneha as “one of the most genuine and warmest people” he has known, adding that she was uniquely positioned to revisit the essence of Pandey’s creative philosophy.
With a career that began at Highlight Films under Mahesh Mathai, followed by a long association with Ogilvy, and later her celebrated journey at Nirvana Films alongside filmmaker Prakash Varma, Sneha has collaborated closely with Pandey across decades.
In her address, Sneha painted a vivid and emotional portrait of Piyush—his infectious laughter, instinctive storytelling, and unmatched ability to find emotion in the everyday. She recalled meeting him as a young trainee, describing how his presence could instantly illuminate a room and how he turned even the toughest creative puzzles into simple, human conversations.
One of the evening’s most poignant moments came as Sneha revisited the making of the iconic Hutch Boy and Dog commercial. She recounted how Pandey, after watching the final cut three times, was moved to tears—an emotion he rarely displayed. Overwhelmed, he hugged director Prakash Varma and insisted the 62-second version be aired, a decision that helped cement the film as one of India’s most beloved campaigns.
Sneha also reflected on Pandey’s leadership style, shaped deeply by his cricketing roots. He believed in choosing the right team, giving them space, and backing them without hesitation—qualities that made him not just a creative giant but an inspiring mentor to many.
Ad Club Trivandrum President Laj Salam offered condolences and recalled the club’s long-held dream of hosting Piyush Pandey at its launch. While the moment never materialised, he shared the heartfelt message Pandey had sent for the occasion—a gesture the club continues to cherish. Secretary Vishnu Vijay expressed gratitude to Sneha and Swarup for delivering a meaningful and heartfelt tribute to a legend.
The event drew advertising professionals, students, and brand owners, all united in celebrating a man whose humour, humility, and vision defined an era of Indian advertising.
Sneha Iype said, “Piyush had this rare ability to make the ordinary feel magical. He listened, he observed, and he spoke straight to the heart – and that is why his work still lives in all of us.”
