Marketing Maverick Piyush Pandey Passes Away At 70; Hansal Mehta Recalls Man Behind ‘Ab Ki Baar, Modi Sarkar’ Slogan

Upgraded 24 October 2025 at 13:31 IST

Marketing genius Piyush Pandey died at 70, leaving a vacuum at the heart of India’s marketing world after redefining advertisements for 40 years with Ogilvy India.

Follow:

Marketing genius Piyush Pandey died at 70.|Image: Republic

Marketing genius Piyush Pandey died at 70, leaving a vacuum at the heart of India’s marketing world after redefining advertisements for 40 years with Ogilvy India.

The legend credited for evergreen advertising campaign Asian Paints (” Har khushi mein called laaye”), Cadbury (“Kuch Khaas Hai”), was revered by leading characters in every field.

What individuals will fondly remember him for will be how India linked at a psychological level with his ads, which were rooted in stories of typical residents.

In a genuine homage, PM Narendra Modi penned,” Shri Piyush Pandey Ji was appreciated for his imagination. He made a huge contribution to the world of marketing and interactions. I will fondly treasure our interactions for many years. Distressed by his diing. My ideas are with his household and admirers. Om Shanti.”

Requiring to X, author and business owner Suhel Seth, stated, “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.”

Paying his regard to the marketing radical, Musician and author, Ehsaan Noorani stated, “Rest in Peace Piyush Pandey the man who redefined creativity in advertising and creating the most memorable campaigns.”

National Award-winning director Hansal Mehta on X stated,”Fevicol ka jod toot gaya. The ad world lost its glue today. Go well Piyush Pandey.”

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, stated, “Saddened to become aware of the death of Shri Piyush Pandey. A titan and legend of Indian marketing, he changed interaction by bringing daily idioms, earthy humor, and real heat into it. Have had chances to connect with him on different events. Sincere acknowledgements to his household, good friends, and the whole imaginative fraternity. His tradition will continue to influence generations.”

Mahindra Group Head, Anand Mahindra, stated, “Yes, he was a guy who left massive footprints on the advertisement market … But what I will keep in mind most is not the projects he crafted or the brand names he developed, however his hearty laugh and his irrepressible enthusiasm for life. He advised us that even in the major company of persuasion, pleasure and mankind should never ever be forgotten. “In the middle of winter season, I discovered there was, within me, an invincible summer season.”– Camus Piyush constantly brought that summer season within him Alwida, my good friend. You made life richer for everybody. Om Shanti.”

After formerly working as a cricketer, tea cup, and building and construction employee, Pandey lastly got his employing the advertisement jagat, which pre-dominantly utilized English to interact with Indian audiences. Pandey made sure advertisements had a long lasting effect through his works with brand names like Fevicol, and Hutch, making usage of Hindi language.

Through his projects, Pandey brought Hindi and colloquial Indian idioms into mainstream marketing, juxtaposing them with relatability and humour through the vibrant usage of scenes and languages.

He assisted craft among India’s many unforgettable political mottos – “Ab ki baar, Modi sarkar”, nevertheless, the real depths of his storytelling tradition depends on the generations of marketers he’s motivated to continue discovering what really produces an impression with inedible ink.