Padma Shri awardee and the man who revolutionized the Indian advertising industry, Piyush Pandey, passed away at the age of 70. Piyush Pandey was often referred to as the “Father of Indian Advertising.”
- Padma Shri awardee and a revolutionary in the Indian advertising industry through his storytelling, Piyush Pandey, passed away at the age of 70. He leaves behind a legacy that shaped generations.
- Piyush Pandey was often called the “Father of Indian Advertising.” After trying his hand at cricket, tea tasting, and the construction field, he joined Ogilvy India in 1982 at the age of 27. Over more than four decades, he transformed Ogilvy into one of the world’s most awarded advertising agencies.
Birth of Piyush Pandey
- Born in Jaipur, Piyush Pandey grew up in a family deeply connected to art. His sister Ila Arun is a renowned singer and actress, while his brother Prasoon Pandey is a well-known advertising film director.
- Before entering the advertising industry, Pandey himself lent his voice to early radio jingles.
- Even after stepping down as Executive Chairman of Ogilvy India in 2023, he continued to work as a mentor and advisor.
- His philosophy of keeping advertising “simple, human, and honest” continues to inspire young creators across India.
- Pandey was the mastermind behind the BJP’s iconic 2014 election campaign slogan “Ab ki baar, Modi Sarkar,” which became synonymous with Modi’s rise and the Bharatiya Janata Party’s historic victory that year.
- His book War Room: The People, Tactics and Technology Behind Narendra Modi’s 2014 Win quotes this advertising insight.
Piyush Pandey’s Major Advertisements
- Fevicol – “The Ultimate Adhesive”: A humorous yet practical series of advertisements that became household favorites.
- Cadbury Dairy Milk – “Kuch Khaas Hai”: A celebration of innocence and joy that remains iconic today.
- Asian Paints – “Har Khushi Mein Rang Laye”: Advertisements that beautifully blended emotion and tradition.
- Hutch – “You and I” (featuring the pug): A campaign that became a cultural symbol of connection.
Awards and Global Recognition
- Padma Shri – India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, recognizing his creative excellence.
- Lion of St. Mark Award at Cannes Lions (2018) – shared with his brother Prasoon Pandey, making them the first Asians to receive this lifetime achievement honor.
Veteran actor Asrani passed away at the age of 84
- Veteran actor Asrani, known for his iconic role in Sholay, passed away at the age of 84. In a career spanning 350 films, he displayed comedic brilliance and cinematic versatility.
- Govardhan Asrani, remembered for his iconic comic roles, passed away on October 20, 2025, at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness. Having worked in more than 350 films, Asrani’s career stood as a testament to both longevity and adaptability in Indian cinema.
- Though he played countless roles over the decades, his short but unforgettable portrayal in Sholay (1975) etched his name forever in Bollywood history.
- His eccentric “British-era jailer” character based on Adolf Hitler was a satirical masterstroke. The one scene — with the line “Hum Angrezon ke zamane ke jailer hain” — immortalized him, earning a standing ovation and turning a small role into a cultural phenomenon.
- Born on January 1, 1941, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, to a Sindhi Hindu family, Asrani’s early life gave no hint of future stardom. He joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune and graduated in 1966.
- He made his film debut in 1967 with Hare Kanch Ki Choodiyan, but it was Rishikesh Mukherjee’s Satyakam (1969) that brought him mainstream recognition.
- He won the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian twice — for Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar (1974) and Balika Badhu (1977).
Punjabi actor and bodybuilder Varinder Ghuman passed away at the age of 41
- Famous Punjabi actor and professional bodybuilder Varinder Ghuman, known for his roles in Tiger 3 and Kabaddi Once Again, passed away due to a heart attack in Amritsar at the age of 41.
- Known for his massive physique, disciplined vegetarian lifestyle, and contributions to both cinema and bodybuilding, Ghuman’s sudden death has left fans, colleagues, and political leaders across the country in shock.
- Varinder Ghuman was not only a celebrated bodybuilder but also a rising figure in Indian cinema. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall, with an impressive build and dedication to fitness, he won the Mr. India title in 2009 and soon after secured second place in the Mr. Asia competition.
- Kabaddi Once Again (2012) – a Punjabi sports drama that brought him regional fame.
- Known as India’s “He-Man,” Ghuman’s persona embodied strength, discipline, and humility.
- He was also the brand ambassador for vegetarian bodybuilding, proving that fitness and muscle growth can be achieved through a plant-based diet.
