From cricket whites to advertising world lights: Piyush Pandey’s remarkable journey

Piyush Pandey’s remarkable journey

Known as 'India's Adman,' Piyush Pandey died at the age of 70, startling India with the news on Friday, October 24.  Despite his legendary status in Indian advertising, few are aware that Pandey started his career as a cricketer before making a lasting impression on the media and marketing industry.

Prior to revolutionizing advertising through campaigns for Asian Paints, Cadbury, Fevicol, Vodafone, and the BJP's 2014 election slogan, "Abki Baar, Modi Sarkaar," Pandey was a first-class cricketer for Rajasthan.

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In five games as a wicketkeeper-batter in the Ranji Trophy from 1977–78 to 1978–79, he amassed 105 runs at an average of 13.12 in nine innings, including a highest score of 28, taking seven catches, and effecting two stumpings. Despite being brief, his cricket career demonstrated the discipline and spirit of competition that would eventually characterize his professional life.

Pandey began working for Ogilvy India in 1982 as a client service professional and stayed for more than 40 years, rising to the position of Executive Chairman before switching to an advising position. His inventiveness revolutionized Indian advertising by popularizing Hindi, incorporating humor, and developing ads that appealed to common Indians.

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Ads such as Cadbury's "Asli Swaad Zindagi ka" and Fevicol's "Yeh Fevicol ka Jod Hai, Tutega Nahi" are still recognizable. He also acted in the 2013 movie Madras Cafe and supported the national unity movement "Mile Sur Mera Tumhara" in 1998.

Leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Piyush Goyal, and businessmen Gautam Adani and Anand Mahindra expressed their deepest sympathies at Pandey's demise.

Modi posted on X: "Shri Piyush Pandey Ji was admired for his creativity. He made a monumental contribution to the world of advertising and communications."

Shri Piyush Pandey Ji was admired for his creativity. He made a monumental contribution to the world of advertising and communications. I will fondly cherish our interactions over the years. Saddened by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 24, 2025

In addition to his skill as a professional, Pandey was an avid sportsman who took swimming, javelin, and cricket very seriously. He cultivated relationships deeply, winning the respect of both family and colleagues. He was born into a family of nine. He is survived by his wife, Neeta, and their dogs, whom he regarded as family.

Piyush Pandey's journey, which began on the Rajasthan cricket field and ended with some of India's most iconic commercials, is proof of adaptability, perseverance, and the timeless value of creativity.