Piyush Pandey, one of the most influential creative minds in Indian advertising, passed away on Thursday. He was 70. However, the causes of his death are not yet known. According to reports, he was battling an infection. His last rites are being performed today in Mumbai. Many prominent personalities, including Bollywood`s Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan, have arrived for Piyush`s funeral.
Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek at Piyush Pandey’s last rites
Big B was accompanied by his son, Abhishek Bachchan, at Pandey`s funeral, which was held at the Shivaji Park Crematorium in Mumbai. In one of the videos, Piyush’s sister, Illa Arun, was seen weeping profusely. On the other hand, Piyush’s wife, Nita Pandey, turned emotional after she bid adieu to her husband.
Celebs remembered Piyush Pandey
After learning about his demise, many took to social media to express their condolences. SRK remembered the creative genius, writing, “Working and being around Piyush Pandey always felt effortless and fun. Was an honour being part of the pure magic he created. He carried his genius so lightly and revolutionised the ad industry in India. Rest in Peace my friend. Will miss you lots.”
Taking to his blog, Big B expressed grief after the demise of Piyush, whom he addressed as “a creative genius, a most amiable friend, and guide.” “A creative genius… a most amiable friend, and guide… has left us… No words to express our grief… Piyush Pandey passed away this morning… The creative works left behind by him shall ever be an eternal emblem of his immeasurable creativity,” Amitabh Bachchan shared on his blog.
Who was Piyush Pandey
Pandey, 70, began his advertising journey in 1982 with Ogilvy & Mather India (now Ogilvy India), starting as a trainee account executive before transitioning to the creative side. With his talent, he literally changed the face of Indian advertising.
He was the mastermind behind iconic ad campaigns like Asian Paints` “Har khushi mein rang laaye”, Cadbury`s “Kuch Khaas Hai”, and Fevicol`s iconic “Egg” film. In 2004, Piyush Pandey etched his name in history as the first Asian to serve as jury president at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
His trailblazing contributions were later recognised with the CLIO Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and the Padma Shri, making him the first figure from Indian advertising to receive the national honour.