Mumbai: The passing of Piyush Pandey, one of the most influential figures in global advertising, has sparked an outpouring of grief and admiration across the Indian and international marketing fraternity. Social media platforms have been flooded with heartfelt tributes from industry leaders, creative veterans, and brand custodians who shared their memories, gratitude, and respect for the man who redefined the language of Indian advertising.
From the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, to the country’s most respected CMOs, agency heads, and marketing visionaries — every corner of the ecosystem resonated with remembrance. Many recalled not only Pandey’s unparalleled creative genius but also his warmth, mentorship, and human touch that inspired generations of professionals.
Prime Minister Modi captured the nation’s sentiment in a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “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.”
Following the Prime Minister’s message, senior advertising leaders, creative stalwarts, and corporate heads — from Ogilvy colleagues to long-time brand partners at Asian Paints, Fevicol, Cadbury, and Titan — took to their social media handles to express their sorrow and share anecdotes from their journeys with Pandey. Each tribute painted a picture of a man who wasn’t just the face of Indian advertising but also its conscience — a storyteller whose work, warmth, and wit continue to enrich the industry.
A compilation of tributes and social media statements from leaders across the advertising and marketing community can be accessed:
Quoting lines from John O’Donohue’s moving poem, Shubhranshu Singh expressed that Piyush’s presence will forever live on — not just in memory, but in every moment of kindness, beauty, and inspiration that brightens the world.
The message beautifully captured the sentiment that though Piyush Pandey’s physical presence will be missed, his spirit, wisdom, and creative spark will continue to guide and inspire those who knew him.
Shubhranshu concluded with a simple, heartfelt line that carried the weight of collective loss:
“Things will not be the same again, Piyush.”
Gayatri Yadav, Group CMO and EVP Strategic Initiatives, Chairman’s Office, Reliance, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Piyush Pandey, calling him a friend, creative partner, and visionary who transformed Indian advertising.
“He was my go-to when all else failed. I would call him and say, ‘Piyush, do your magic,’” she shared, recalling their many collaborations that helped shape the Star brand.
Remembering his effortless brilliance, she said he once created the Pro Kabaddi League anthem within hours. “Don’t do it so fast, Piyush — they’ll think it’s too easy!” she had joked.
Calling him a pioneer who brought Indian language and culture to the forefront of advertising, Gayatri said, “He reminded us of our roots.”
Media leader Megha Tata paid tribute to the late Piyush Pandey, calling him the creative force behind some of India’s most authentic and emotionally resonant advertising.
“When you think of Indian advertising that is rooted in culture and touches countless emotions, it’s been created by the one and only Piyush Pandey,” she wrote.
Describing him as a legend and an inspiration to many, Tata said he will be remembered not just for his unmatched creativity, but also for his “gregarious laughter and iconic moustache.”
“It was an honour and privilege to have known this legend,” she added.
In a heartfelt tribute, advertising professional Prashant Nandan described Piyush Pandey as “the very soul of Indian advertising,” recalling personal memories that reflected the legendary adman’s warmth, humility, and wisdom.
Sharing an anecdote from his first day at Ogilvy, Nandan wrote how a simple smile and kind words from Piyush Pandey put him at ease — a moment that taught him true greatness lies in humility. He also remembered a personal note from Pandey’s book launch that read, “Create work that people remember, not just brands.”
Nandan highlighted one of Pandey’s timeless lessons: “क्लाइंट के लिए नहीं, क्लाइंट के क्लाइंट के लिए काम करो,” emphasizing empathy and consumer understanding as the heart of great advertising.
“Piyush Sir taught us that ideas aren’t made for brands alone; they are made for people — to move them, to make them feel, to make them remember,” Nandan wrote, adding, “You didn’t just teach us how to make ads, you taught us how to communicate emotion.”
Pidilite Industries mourns the passing of Piyush Pandey, a legendary adman whose creativity shaped India’s cultural and advertising landscape. Sudhanshu Vats, MD of Pidilite, said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Piyush Pandey, a legendary adman, a cultural architect, and the creative force behind some of India’s most iconic campaigns, including Fevicol and several other Pidilite brands. His work didn’t just build brands; it shaped culture. Through unmatched wit, warmth, and insight, Piyush made India smile, and made Pidilite proud. His campaigns became part of the nation’s collective memory, and his words brought our brands to life in ways few could imagine.”
Vats added that Piyush was not just a creative partner but a dear friend, fondly recalling their monthly “Coffee Pe Charcha” sessions. Pidilite extends heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones, honoring a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of storytellers and brand builders.
Condolences shared by Sir Martin Sorrell, Founder and Executive Chairman of S4Capital/Monks on Piyush Pandey’s demise, “So sad to hear this just now…. We all loved Piyush. He was a real Indian tiger who led Ogilvy from the front to the end and was a creative titan. Clients really appreciate creative leaders, and he was one of the finest, carving out a reputation globally well beyond India’s borders. And, of course, he was a fine cricketer and cricket lover. It was a privilege to know him, work with him, and be with him. We have now recently lost two of Ogilvy and WPP’s finest leaders – Piyush and Sergio Amado. We wish Piyush’s family long life.”
