Piyush Pandey Passes Away | 27 Oct 2025

Why in News?

Piyush Pandey, widely regarded as the Father of Indian Advertising, passed away on 24th October 2025, in Mumbai after a brief illness.

• He played a pivotal role in transforming Madhya Pradesh Tourism’s brand identity, crafting campaigns that highlighted the state’s natural beauty, culture, and heritage.

Key Points

• About: He was born in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and began his career by joining Ogilvy & Mather (now Ogilvy India) in 1982 after representing Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy.
  • Over the years, he held key positions, including Executive Chairman of Ogilvy India, Chief Creative Officer Worldwide, and later served as Chief Advisor to Ogilvy from 2024 onwards.
• Notable Honours:
  • Padma Shri (2016)
  • LIA Legend Award (2024)
  • First Asian Jury President at the Cannes Lions Festival
• Contributions to Indian Advertising:
  • He revolutionised Indian advertising by popularising the Hindi language and local idioms in ad films, breaking the dominance of Western-influenced narratives.
  • He also conceptualised the national integration anthem “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara,” which became a defining cultural symbol of unity.
  • He collaborated extensively with the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department to create iconic ad campaigns that projected the state as the “Heart of Incredible India,” significantly enhancing its tourism appeal at both national and global levels.
• Iconic Campaigns:
  • Cadbury Dairy Milk – Kuch Khaas Hai
  • Fevicol – Fevicol Ka Jod
  • Asian Paints – Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai
  • Google India – Reunion
  • Ponds – Googly Woogly Woosh
  • Vodafone – ZooZoos and Pug Mascot*
  • Polio Campaign – Do Boond Zindagi Ki (with Amitabh Bachchan)