The giggles we had at Googly Woogly Woosh have now fallen silent. The architect who pioneered the advertising arena in the country, Piyush Pandey, is no more. He was 70. His articulation changed the entire sketch of advertising, followed by innovative scripts. He always stayed rooted to the rhythms of India, saving it from becoming a clone of the westernised narrative.
Born in 1955 in Jaipur, Piyush Pandey grew up in a bustling household of nine children — seven daughters and two sons. Among them were the creative forces of film director Prasoon Pandey and singer-actor Ila Arun. His early years took shape at St. Xavier’s School, Jaipur, and later at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi.
Long before he found his calling in advertising in 1982, the man dabbled in many worlds — from cricket fields to tea estates and even construction sites. But destiny had its plans. When he walked through the doors of Ogilvy India, he found his own canvas — one on which he went on to paint the colours of a new, distinctly Indian advertising era.
Some of the most loved campaigns that defined Indian advertising bear Piyush Pandey’s unmistakable touch. From Fevikwik and Fevicol gems like Todo Nahi, Jodo, the Fevicol sofa, to the unforgettable “bus stuck with Fevicol” — each carried his signature wit and warmth. Then came the playful Googly Woogly Woosh!! for Ponds, the soulful Cadbury Dairy Milk – Kuch Khaas Hai, the quirky Vodafone ZooZoos, and the heartfelt Asian Paints – Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai. With Bajaj – Hamara Bajaj, he bottled up the pride of an entire nation.
His craft wasn’t limited to brands alone. He lent his voice to politics as well with the BJP’s 2014 campaign — “Abki Baar Modi Sarkar.”
