Chennai, Oct 25 (NationPress) Renowned cinematographer and director Rajeev Menon, celebrated for his direction of the Tamil cult classic 'Kandukondein Kandukondein', which starred Mammootty, Ajith Kumar, Aishwarya Rai, and Tabu, has shared a touching tribute to the legendary figure in the advertising realm, Piyush Pandey, who passed away on Friday.

In a heartfelt message on his Instagram stories, the prominent director and cinematographer, who is also recognized in the advertising sector, expressed, "Piyush was genuinely the driving force behind the indigenization of Advertising. However, he was more than just a friend and collaborator in advertising... He was like a big brother... present at weddings, birthdays. Always by your side! Will miss you immensely, champion/partner!"

For those unfamiliar, Piyush Pandey, a recipient of the Padma Shri award and a titan in advertising, passed away at the age of 70. He had been the Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Worldwide at Ogilvy and had been battling an infection that recently escalated.

The agency announced his passing on Friday, stating, “To our entire Ogilvy family, it is with a profound sense of loss that I inform you of the passing of our beloved Piyush Pandey. He was fighting an infection that took a serious turn, and he passed away peacefully this morning. I can hardly fathom how each of us will process this immense loss in our own ways.”

Rajeev Menon is among a host of celebrities who have expressed their condolences for the late advertising icon.

Notable figures like Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and esteemed music director and singer Shankar Mahadevan have also shared their tributes.

Shah Rukh Khan took to his X timeline to honor Piyush Pandey, stating, "Working with and being around Piyush Pandey was always effortless and enjoyable. It was a privilege to be part of the pure magic he crafted. He carried his genius so lightly and transformed the ad industry in India. Rest in peace, my friend. You will be greatly missed."

Shankar Mahadevan, in a social media post, shared, “I’m heartbroken.. He was indeed a creative genius, a cherished friend, and a person brimming with humor and positivity! We collaborated on numerous projects, each one a hallmark of excellence! I will miss you, my friend... it’s hard to believe.”