Mumbai: Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan attend Piyush Pandey's funeral
What's the story
The creative industry is mourning advertising legend Piyush Pandey (70), who died on Friday due to complications from pneumonia. Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek Bachchan were among those who paid their last respects at Pandey's funeral held at Shivaji Park Crematorium in Mumbai on Saturday. The video of the duo attending the last rites has surfaced online. Actor Manoj Pahwa and filmmaker Ashoke Pandit also attended Pandey's last rites.
Industry mourning
Tributes to Pandey from industry stalwarts
Tributes to Pandey poured in from across the industry. Shah Rukh Khan remembered his time working with Pandey as "effortless and fun." He added, "He carried his genius so lightly and revolutionized the ad industry in India. Rest in peace, my friend." Anand Mahindra reminisced about Pandey's "hearty laugh" and "irrepressible zest for life," stating that "even in serious persuasion, joy and humanity must never be forgotten."
Career highlights
Pandey's work transformed the Indian advertising landscape
Pandey, who started his career as a trainee account executive at Ogilvy & Mather India in 1982, later took on creative roles. Over the years, he revolutionized Indian advertising with groundbreaking campaigns that have become ingrained in public consciousness. Some of his most memorable work includes Asian Paints's Har Khushi Mein Rang Laaye, Cadbury's Kuch Khaas Hai, and Fevicol's iconic Egg film.
Global accolades
Global recognition for Pandey's contributions
Pandey's contributions to the advertising industry were recognized globally. In 2004, he made history as the first Asian jury president at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. He was later awarded the CLIO Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. Additionally, he received India's fourth-highest civilian award, Padma Shri, making him the first person from Indian advertising to be conferred this national honor. May he rest in peace.