Mumbai, October 25, 2025 – Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, accompanied by his son Abhishek Bachchan, attended the funeral of advertising legend Piyush Pandey on Saturday, October 25, 2025, to pay their final respects and offer condolences to the bereaved family. The cremation took place at the Shivaji Park Crematorium in Mumbai.
Piyush Pandey, the former Chief Creative Officer, Worldwide and Executive Chairman of Ogilvy India, passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the age of 70 due to complications from pneumonia. His sister, Ila Arun, confirmed that he had been suffering from pneumonia and breathed his last at 5:50 a.m.
Bachchan's presence at the funeral underscores the close relationship he shared with Pandey. The two had collaborated on several memorable campaigns, including the "Do Boond Zindagi Ke" initiative for polio eradication and campaigns for Gujarat Tourism.
Pandey was a towering figure in the Indian advertising industry, having spent over four decades at Ogilvy India. He was known for his ability to connect with the masses by incorporating Hindi in ad films and taglines, breaking away from the dominance of Western influences. He revolutionized Indian advertising with his storytelling and emotion-driven campaigns. His work includes iconic advertisements for brands like Fevicol, Cadbury, and Asian Paints.
Numerous figures from various sectors have expressed their grief and admiration for Pandey's contributions. Shah Rukh Khan remembered Pandey as a creative genius, stating that "Working and being around Piyush Pandey always felt effortless and fun… He carried his genius so lightly and revolutionised the ad industry in India". Anand Mahindra recalled Pandey's "hearty laugh and his irrepressible zest for life," emphasizing that Pandey reminded everyone that "even in the serious business of persuasion, joy and humanity must never be forgotten".
Ogilvy India released a statement acknowledging Pandey's immense impact: "He wasn't just the heart and voice of Ogilvy for over 40 years, but also a creative force who redefined the very identity of Indian advertising...His iconic work and unforgettable lessons have left an everlasting impact on each and every one of us at Ogilvy".
Piyush Pandey's career began in 1982 with Ogilvy & Mather India, where he started as a trainee account executive before transitioning to the creative side. In 2004, he became the first Asian to serve as jury president at the Cannes Lions Festival. Pandey's contributions to advertising earned him a Padma Shri and the Cannes Lion of St. Mark Award.
The advertising industry and beyond mourns the loss of a true visionary, whose work has left an indelible mark on Indian culture and advertising.
