India Mourns Piyush Pandey, the Maestro of Indian Advertising

The advertising and creative industries came together in Mumbai to pay their final respects to Piyush Pandey, who passed away on October 23, 2025. The funeral was attended by an array of luminaries including Farah Khan, Ashoke Pandit, Swaroop Sampat, Asgar Ali, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Ranjeet, Poonam Dhillon, Naseeruddin Shah, Rupali Ganguly, and many more, reflecting the immense respect and admiration he commanded across both the creative and entertainment worlds.

Born on September 5, 1955, Pandey rose to become one of India’s most iconic advertising professionals. He served as the Chief Creative Officer Worldwide (2019) and Executive Chairman India of Ogilvy, leaving an indelible mark on the agency and the industry at large. Over the decades, he redefined Indian advertising by infusing campaigns with an authentic indigenous sensibility, steering them away from the earlier dominance of Western templates.

Pandey’s contribution was recognized globally and nationally. He was honored with the LIA Legend Award in 2024, a testament to his towering influence in international advertising circles, and the Padma Shri in 2016, celebrating his service to the Indian creative landscape. Yet beyond accolades, it was his ability to craft campaigns that resonated deeply with the Indian audience that truly defined his genius.

Those who worked with Pandey often recall his unique combination of brilliance, wit, and humility. He was not just a visionary professional but also a mentor, a guide, and a source of inspiration for generations of creative minds. His work left a mark not merely on brands, but on culture itself, making him a cherished figure across industries.

As colleagues, friends, and admirers bid farewell, the atmosphere was heavy with both grief and gratitude. Piyush Pandey’s legacy—through the campaigns he created, the standards he set, and the countless minds he inspired—will continue to shape Indian advertising for years to come, a true testament to a life lived with creativity, vision, and heart.