Shah Rukh Khan Mourns The Loss Of Advertising Icon Piyush Pandey, Calls Him A Man Who 'Revolutionised Ad Industry...'

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has paid tribute to advertising legend Piyush Pandey, who passed away on October 24 at the age of 70. Renowned for transforming Indian advertising, Pandey was a trailblazer whose creative genius crafted numerous iconic campaigns and inspired generations of storytellers. Sharing a black-and-white photo of Piyush Pandey, SRK penned a heartfelt note that beautifully reflected the essence of the man behind India’s most iconic ad campaigns.

Shah Rukh wrote on X, "Working and being around Piyush Pandey always felt effortless and fun. Was an honour being part of the pure magic he created. He carried his genius so lightly and revolutionised the ad industry in India. Rest in Peace my friend. Will miss you lots."

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Who was Piyush Pandey?

Piyush Pandey (5 September 1955 – 23 October 2025) was a renowned Indian advertising professional who served as Chief Creative Officer Worldwide (2019) and Executive Chairman India at Ogilvy. He received the LIA Legend Award in 2024 and was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2016. Pandey is widely credited with introducing a distinct indigenous style to Indian advertising, moving it away from the previously dominant Western influences.

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Born in Jaipur in 1955 into a family of nine children, Piyush Pandey had seven sisters and one brother, with siblings including film director Prasoon Pandey and singer-actor Ila Arun. His father worked at the Rajasthan State Cooperative Bank. Pandey played Ranji Trophy cricket for Rajasthan and also worked as a tea taster. He studied at St. Xavier's School in Jaipur and completed a postgraduate degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. He was married to Nita Pandey. Piyush Pandey passed away on 23 October 2025 at the age of 70.