The Bold Soul Behind Ogilvy’s Iconic Campaigns
Ogilvy, the creative powerhouse behind timeless advertisements such as Fevicol’s unforgettable bus commercial, Cadbury’s heartwarming “Kuch Khaas Hai”, and Dove’s emotionally stirring “Real Beauty Sketches”, has long been known for its fearless and human approach to storytelling. At the heart of this vibrant culture stood Piyush Pandey — a man whose humor, passion, and emotional depth shaped not just campaigns but an entire generation of advertisers.
The Man Who Lived His Work
Piyush wasn’t just a creative mind; he was a force of energy. Loud, funny, and deeply emotional, his personality flowed seamlessly into his work. Even after long nights that stretched past 3 a.m., he would arrive at the office before anyone else, pen in hand, ready to write. His ritual was simple yet spiritual — writing ‘Om’ at the top of every page before letting ideas flow into scripts and copy.
A True Player, On and Off the Field
A former Ranji Trophy player, Piyush infused his love for cricket into his creative philosophy. His conversations were peppered with cricketing analogies that reflected his collaborative spirit. Unlike many leaders who eventually move into supervisory roles, Piyush never stepped away from the front line. He wrote some of Ogilvy’s most memorable scripts himself — including the legendary Fevicol campaigns — showing that leadership is not about distance, but participation.
Lessons in Confidence and Courage
When I joined Ogilvy Delhi as a creative director, after a chance meeting with Piyush at several friendly gatherings, he offered me advice that has stayed with me ever since: “Always play front foot.” It wasn’t just about cricket — it was about life. It meant to be bold, to act with confidence, to trust your instincts, and to avoid second-guessing yourself. That wisdom guided me throughout my time at Ogilvy and later when I ventured out to start my own company.
The Culture of Laughter and Ideas
The Ogilvy office under Piyush was a space alive with laughter, debates, and an endless volley of ideas. Our phone calls were filled with playful teasing and mutual admiration. Whenever I sought his help to translate something into Hindi, he’d chuckle and say, “After all these years, you’ve turned me into a translator!” Yet beneath the humor was a creative genius who could effortlessly blend sharp insight with warmth.
Building a Creative Ecosystem
Beyond his personal brilliance, Piyush’s true legacy lay in how he nurtured people. Many of Ogilvy’s best talents went on to start successful creative ventures, inspired by the culture he built — one of freedom, trust, and collaboration. He believed in letting everyone bring their own voice and style to the table. That openness created an ecosystem where creativity thrived and individuality was celebrated.
A Legacy That Lives On
To work with Piyush Pandey was to witness the art of leadership through authenticity. He wasn’t just building campaigns; he was building people. His energy, laughter, and belief in others continue to echo through every creative mind shaped by his guidance.
