The Indian advertising and film industries are in mourning following the death of Piyush Pandey, a legendary figure who revolutionized advertising in India. Pandey, known for his impactful storytelling and emotion-driven campaigns, passed away on Thursday at the age of 70.
Shah Rukh Khan, among other prominent figures, has expressed his deep sorrow and paid tribute to Pandey, acknowledging his creative genius and profound influence on the industry. Khan stated that Pandey "revolutionized" the advertising industry in India. He added that working with Pandey always felt "effortless and fun".
Pandey's career spanned over four decades at Ogilvy India, where he transformed the landscape of Indian advertising with his unique approach. He joined Ogilvy in 1982 and, at the time, stepped into an English-dominated industry at the age of 27. His work broke barriers and resonated deeply with the Indian populace. He is credited with changing the language, tone, and soul of advertising in India.
Pandey's contributions extend beyond memorable ad campaigns. He was also known for creating impactful slogans, including the 2014 election slogan 'Ab ki baar, Modi sarkar'. His ability to connect with audiences through humor and emotional storytelling made him a celebrated figure in the industry.
Other personalities from the film and advertising world have also shared their condolences and memories of Pandey. Amitabh Bachchan, Prasoon Joshi, and Raveena Tandon all paid tribute to Pandey, remembering him as a "creative genius" and "one of India's finest storytellers".
Prasoon Joshi, the current chief of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), remembered Pandey as a "man who made work feel like life itself". Raveena Tandon expressed that Pandey would "make heavens bubblier and more cheerful with your wit!".
The loss of Piyush Pandey marks the end of an era in Indian advertising. His legacy of creativity, humor, and emotional connection will continue to inspire future generations in the industry.
