Piyush Pandey Death: Anupam Kher, Vivek Agnihotri, More Pay Tribute To Man Who 'Sold Emotions'

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Indian advertising world is mourning the loss of one of its greatest creative minds - Piyush Pandey. The legendary adman, who shaped modern Indian advertising and gave the country some of its most unforgettable campaigns, passed away on Friday (October 24) at the age of 70. As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across industries, with celebrities, filmmakers, and fellow creatives remembering the man who “sold emotions” and made storytelling an art form.

Bollywood pays tribute to Piyush Pandey

Veteran actor Anupam Kher shared a deeply personal note, recalling Pandey’s charm and infectious energy. He wrote, “I have spent many years of my life, both good and bad, watching Piyush Pandey ji's Ad Campaigns' Slogans on television and in cinema halls. And then all those slogans would become an important part of all our lives! And since he himself was such a charismatic personality! So he too became an important part of our lives! Such a spirited person actually never leaves our lives! Yes! Now we won't meet him at the airport, at some function, or just anywhere! And he won't say, 'Yaar!! You've looked exactly the same for so many years! What's the secret of your youth!' We'll miss that! Farewell, my friend! Om Shanti!"Watch his video message:

Poet and lyricist Prasoon Joshi expressed his grief, writing, “In transit overseas. Hard to believe Piyush’s laughter is now only in memory. What a remarkable era — a man who made work feel like life itself. One for whom emotion was strategy, and simplicity, craft. Farewell, Piyush — the ad world will forever carry your signature and magic and in so many of us your authenticity and laughter will echo forever. Om shanti.”

ALSO READ: Shah Rukh Khan Mourns ‘Genius’ Piyush Pandey’s Death: Was An Honour Being Part Of…Filmmaker Hansal Mehta summed up the loss in one poignant line - “Fevicol ka jod toot gaya. The ad world lost its glue today. Go well Piyush Pandey.”

Director Vivek Agnihotri, who once worked at O&M, offered one of the most heartfelt tributes, writing, “Kuch khaas tha… When I joined O&M, as a trainee, everyone spoke the Queen’s English. They wanted India to sound like London. And then there was Piyush Pandey, with Rajasthani moustache, sitting in a smoky corner, writing in Hindi, making words smell of mitti and sound like home. He didn’t sell brands. He sold emotions. He made us feel that Har shabd kuch kehta hai. Har insaan kuch kehta hai. That every heart, every story could speak in our own tongue. And yes, you’ll live on in every ad that feels like India, in every line that tastes meetha, meetha. Kuch nahin bahut khaas tha tum mein…. We won’t let you go from our memories, Piyush, kyonki yeh majboot jod hai, itni asaani se tootega nahin. Om Shanti.”

Actor Ranvir Shorey also remembered working with Pandey fondly, saying, “Heartbroken to hear this! I had the good fortune of working with Piyush Sir on a few occasions. The man was a bonafide genius, and exuded such positive energy! Always helping youngsters to do better! Go well, Sir. You will be remembered and missed! Heartfelt respects to him, and my sincere condolences to his family and friends! Om Shanti.”

Piyush Pandey was the man behind some of India’s most iconic campaigns - Fevicol’s witty ads, Cadbury’s heartwarming moments, and Asian Paints’ emotional storytelling. A Padma Shri recipient and a creative visionary, his work transcended brands, connecting with people at an emotional level. The world will miss the genius that was Piyush Panday.