In a post on X (previously Twitter), the prime minister the 70-year-old made a ‘monumental contribution’ to the advertising industry and he will always be admired for his ‘creativity’.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to Piyush Pandey, who passed away earlier this morning, saying he will fondly remember his interactions with the advertising legend. In a post on X (previously Twitter), the prime minister the 70-year-old made a ‘monumental contribution’ to the advertising industry and he will always be admired for his ‘creativity’.
“Shri Piyush Pandey Ji was admired for his creativity. He made a monumental contribution to the world of advertising and communications,” PM Modi said. “I will fondly cherish our interactions over the years. Saddened by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Piyush Pandey’s demise
Pandey, a recipient of Padma Shri and the the LIA Legend Award, passed away in the wee hours of Friday, announced his sister Ila Arun. He was 70 years old and was dealing with health issues over the past few days. His last rites will be held at the Shivaji Park in Mumbai, as per media reports.
Pandey is considered to be the pioneer of India’s advertising agency and had created many successful ads, including PM Modi’s 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign when he gave the ‘Abki baar Modi Sarkar’.
India pays tribute to Piyush Pandey
Apart from PM Modi, several others have paid tributes to Pandey, with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman saying that the advertising legend had transformed communication by bringing “everyday idioms and earthy humour”. “Heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire creative fraternity. His legacy will continue to inspire generations,” she posted on X.
Industrialist Gautam Adani also paid tribute to Pandey and said he was the voice that made India believe in its own story. “And he was a very good friend! Like a master batsman, he played every stroke with his heart,” he said, adding that India has lost a true son.
Amitabh Kant, India’s former sherpa at G20, said he is heartbroken after hearing about Pandey’s demise. Calling Pandey the ‘best storyteller’, Kant said his spirit will continue to inspire everyone. “He was the best storyteller one could ever meet. Piyush believed in and cultivated the power of branding with an indigenous twist, flavour, and creativity that put India on the global map. He had a golden & generous heart as reflected in these touching words about me,” he said.
