Delhi, 24 October (H.S.): Piyush Pandey, the veteran advertising guru celebrated for revolutionizing the Indian advertising landscape, passed away in Mumbai on Friday. He was 70 years old. The news was confirmed by marketing expert Suhel Seth in a post on the social media platform X.

Pandey was the creative genius behind some of India’s most enduring and culturally significant campaigns. He is credited with writing the iconic national integration song 'Mile Sur Mera Tumhara' and masterminding unforgettable advertisements for brands like Fevicol, Cadbury (Kuch khaas hai), and Asian Paints (Har khushi mein rang laye). His impact extended into the political sphere, where he coined the memorable slogans Abki baar Modi sarkar and Acche din aane wale hain for the Bharatiya Janata Party.

In a heartfelt tribute, Suhel Seth expressed his profound grief, writing, Deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of a dear friend and a talent as brilliant as Piyush Pandey. India has not just lost a great advertising personality, but a true patriot and a fine gentleman.

Born in Jaipur in 1955, Pandey was one of nine siblings, including film director Prasoon Pandey and renowned singer-actress Ila Arun. He began his distinguished career in advertising in 1982 at the age of 27, joining Ogilvy, where he would go on to leave an indelible mark on the industry.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar