The bond has been broken – India mourns the loss of adman Piyush Pandey

From Fevicol’s quirky ads and Asian Paints’ “Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai” to Cadbury’s “Kuch Khaas Hai”, Pond’s “Googly Woogly Woosh”, the Vodafone Pug and ZooZoos, Pandey shaped how India saw brands, and itself. 

He also brought the nation together through the beautifully written “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara”, the Incredible India campaign, and several government initiatives that defined the country's creative identity.

A Padma Shri recipient, Pandey served Ogilvy as Chief Creative Officer for nearly four decades. He also authored Pandeymonium, an inspiring and unputdownable memoir that offered a rare glimpse into the mind of the man who redefined Indian advertising.

Pandey appeared at a People Matters conference back in 2019, where he showcased some of his most memorable work, campaigns that spoke of human connection, trust, and respect for natural resources. “Both creativity and innovation cannot be formatted in a document as they change the format,” he said.

Reflecting on his journey, he added, “What made me stay was the great work the agency was doing, which allowed people like me to express myself. I was surrounded by great people.” 

He also beautifully explained the essence of trust, “The funny thing about trust is there’s a word built into it called rust. When we take trust for granted, it turns into rust. In any relationship, whether between employers and employees or brands and consumers, you must keep up the trust. Lose it, and you pay a big price.”  

Through his words and work, Pandey taught us that relationships, much like brands, can be built and renewed over time through creativity and authenticity. 

Adman Pandey, aged 70, passed away on October 24, 2025, after battling an infection. Tributes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and industry leaders poured in, acknowledging his indelible impact on Indian advertising and storytelling.

"Pained by the demise of Piyush Pandey Ji. A stalwart in the advertising and communication industry, he set high standards in connecting with the masses with creativity. My condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. Om Shanti," Home Minister Shah wrote. 

Uday Kotak, Founder and Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, warmly remembered him writing, "Sad that Piyush Pandey leaves us. He launched Kotak Mahindra Bank with a campaign in 2003, describing banking as “common sense”. Amazing out of the box thinker and a humble person. He weaved creativity with an Indian context. Will miss him."

"Deeply deeply saddened and devastated at the loss of the genius that my dearest friend Piyush Pandey was. India has not lost a just a great advertising mind but a true patriot and a fine fine gentleman. Now the heavens will dance to Mile Sur Mera Tumhara," penned Suhel Seth, a TV pundit, businessman, and columnist.

Pandey has left an indelible mark on the advertising industry with his creative brilliance, leaving behind a powerful reminder in his own words: ‘Nothing will disappear; it will co-exist.’