Kashmir pen News Bureau
Srinagar, Oct 26: The world of Indian advertising has lost one of its most iconic creative voices. Piyush Pandey, the man who gave Indian advertising its soul and transformed the way brands spoke to the nation, passed away in Mumbai on Friday, October 24, 2025.
Pandey, who served for over four decades at Ogilvy India, was widely regarded as the architect of Indian advertising’s modern identity. His unforgettable campaigns — from Mile Sur Mera Tumhara to Cadbury’s Kuch Khaas Hai Hum Sabhi Mein — resonated deeply with the Indian psyche, blending emotion, humor, and everyday reality.
With his unmistakable moustache, booming laughter, and humility that bridged the gap between boardrooms and bylanes, Piyush Pandey changed the language and soul of brand storytelling in India. His passing marks the end of an era in which advertising spoke from the heart rather than the pedestal.
A Kashmir Connection
Few know of Pandey’s warm connection with Kashmir. His sister, Rama Pandey, a noted media personality, is married to Najamus Saqib, a Kashmir-born senior IAS officer. Piyush shared a deep affection for the Valley, often visiting Kashmir and cherishing its culture and people. He had attended his sister’s wedding in London and continued to hold Kashmir close to his heart throughout his life.
A Befitting Farewell
Pandey’s funeral at Shivaji Park Crematorium, Mumbai, was marked by a genuine outpouring of love and grief. The gathering cut across industries and generations — from advertising veterans and film stars to musicians, sportspersons, and corporate leaders. Among those present were Amitabh Bachchan, Ehsaan Noorani, Harsha Bhogle, Arun Lal, Sanjeev Mehta, Sudhir Sitapati, and many others who came to pay tribute.
As his sister Ila Arun began singing Mile Sur Mera Tumhara, the crowd joined in, turning the farewell into a moving celebration of his legacy. As one mourner remarked, “He wasn’t just an advertising genius; he was everyone’s best friend. Piyush made people feel seen, valued, and loved.”
Legacy of a Creative Captain
Piyush Pandey’s creative journey was not defined by glamour but by empathy. His campaigns gave brands a conscience and communication a heart. In life and beyond, he will remain a storyteller who united India through emotion, simplicity, and soul.
As the world bids goodbye, one can only echo the words of his loved ones — “Well played, Captain.”
