Gajraj Rao’s Heartfelt Goodbye to the Ad Man Who Defined India’s Creative Soul
Mumbai, Oct 24:
Veteran actor Gajraj Rao has penned a moving note in memory of legendary adman Piyush Pandey, calling him the “Sam Manekshaw of Indian advertising.”
Sharing a monochrome photo of Pandey on Instagram, Rao described him as a leader who always stood on the frontlines of creativity — fearless, original, and deeply rooted in Indian reality.
“Piyush Pandey sir, in my eyes, was the general of the Indian advertising world, who used to stand in the front row with his pen on every small and big creative front,” Rao wrote. “His grip on Indian society was amazing — especially rural India. He understood people like no one else.”
He added that Pandey’s ability to connect with everyone — from new writers to big clients — made him unique. “He was Sam Manekshaw, General of Indian Advertising, rich with unique talent and courage. No one can replace him. Salute!” Rao concluded.
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Tributes Pour In for the Man Who Redefined Indian Advertising
Pandey’s passing has left a void across India’s creative and media community. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta shared an emotional message on X (formerly Twitter):
“Fevicol ka jod toot gaya. The ad world lost its glue today. Go well, Piyush Pandey.”
Musician Ehsaan Noorani too paid his respects, writing, “Rest in Peace Piyush Pandey, the man who redefined creativity in advertising and created the most memorable campaigns.”
The Legacy of Piyush Pandey
A Padma Shri awardee, Piyush Pandey was not just a name but an institution in Indian advertising. As Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Worldwide at Ogilvy, he built campaigns that became part of Indian culture — from Fevicol and Cadbury to Vodafone’s ZooZoos and Pulse Polio.
Ogilvy, in a heartfelt statement, confirmed the 70-year-old’s passing following a severe infection. The agency wrote,
“It is with an unfathomable sense of loss that I write to you about the passing of our beloved Piyush Pandey. He passed away peacefully this morning.”
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A Creative General Who Never Stopped Marching
For many, Piyush Pandey was more than an advertising icon — he was a storyteller of India’s everyday life. His words carried warmth, wit, and a touch of authenticity that few could match.
Like Gajraj Rao beautifully put it, he wasn’t just creating ads — he was leading an army of dreamers with courage, creativity, and heart.
