Journalism of Courage
The advertising world has lost one of its most iconic figures, Piyush Pandey -- the man credited for shaping modern Indian advertising. Known for blending creativity with cultural storytelling, Pandey’s legacy lives on through unforgettable campaigns that became a part of India’s everyday life. (Express photoweb)
A Humble Beginning: Born in Jaipur in 1955, Pandey played Ranji Trophy cricket for Rajasthan before joining Ogilvy India in 1982 as a client executive. His early years shaped his grounded and relatable storytelling style. (Express photoweb)
Campaigns that Became Culture: From Fevicol’s “bus ad” to Cadbury’s “Kuch Khaas Hai” and Vodafone’s ZooZoos, Pandey’s work redefined Indian advertising, mixing humour, simplicity, and heart. (Wikipedia Commons)
The Voice of Indian Advertising: Pandey moved away from Westernised ads, making Indian language and emotions the centrepiece. His approach made every brand story feel familiar and deeply Indian. (Express photoweb)
Beyond Accolades: A Padma Shri awardee (2016) and Cannes Lions jury president, Pandey received over 1,000 awards during his career, including the LIA Legend Award in 2024. (Express photoweb)
Beyond Advertising: Piyush Pandey co-authored the book Pandeymonium with his brother Prasoon Pandey, offering a glimpse into his creative philosophy and journey through India’s advertising evolution. (Express photoweb)
Legacy that Lives On: Even after stepping down from Ogilvy in 2023, Pandey remained a mentor and cultural icon. His passing marks the end of an era, but his storytelling continues to inspire every Indian ad creator. (Express photoweb)
