Piyush Pandey, an icon of the Indian advertising industry and a great contributor to the Rajasthan Royals, passed away at the age of 70 in Mumbai on Friday morning.
He was the Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Worldwide of Ogilvy. According to the ad agency, Piyush Pandey was “battling an infection that took a serious turn.”
Born on September 5, 1955, in Jaipur, Pandey was known for some of India’s most memorable ad campaigns, including the Rajasthan Royals’ iconic Halla Bol theme and anthem in 2008. The theme has been central to the team's identity, especially after they won the inaugural IPL title that year.
Piyush Pandey also played a role in conceptualising the ongoing Aurat Hai Toh Bharat Hai campaign from the Royal Rajasthan Foundation - the social equity arm of the team.
Pandey’s influence went beyond commercial advertising. He spearheaded powerful public service campaigns, most notably the ‘Do Boond Zindagi Ke’ initiative featuring Amitabh Bachchan, which played a pivotal role in India’s successful fight against polio and left a lasting impact on the nation.
He was also the lyricist of Mile Sur Mera Tumhara, an iconic Indian song promoting national integration and unity in diversity, and co-wrote the screenplay for the film Bhopal Express.
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Pandey’s journey in advertising began early, lending his voice alongside his brother Prasoon Pandey to radio jingles.
Before joining Ogilvy in 1982, he explored a diverse set of careers, from cricket, tea tasting to construction. Starting as a trainee account executive at Ogilvy, he quickly transitioned to the creative side, eventually becoming one of India’s most influential creative minds.
In 2004, Pandey became the first Asian to serve as jury president at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. His achievements were later recognised with the CLIO Lifetime Achievement Award.
Pandey also appeared in a 2013 Bollywood movie Madras Cafe, alongside John Abraham and Nargis Fakhri.
In 2016, Pandey received the Padma Shri, India’s prestigious civilian honour. He was the first Indian advertising professional to receive the award.
Later in his career, Piyush, along with Prasoon Pandey, became the first Asians to receive the Lion of St. Mark at Cannes, celebrating their contribution to promoting Indian creativity globally.
