New Delhi, Oct 24 (NationPress) Union Ministers and industry leaders expressed their profound sorrow on Friday over the loss of advertising icon Piyush Pandey.

Pandey, a Padma Shri awardee and a pivotal figure in Indian advertising, passed away at the age of 70. He held the position of Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Worldwide at Ogilvy.

As reported by the advertising agency, he was struggling with an infection that escalated severely. His final rites are expected to take place at 11 am at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal described Pandey as “a phenomenon in the world of advertising.”

“I am truly at a loss for words to convey my sorrow over the passing of Padma Shri Piyush Pandey. A true phenomenon in advertising, his creative brilliance reshaped storytelling, leaving us with unforgettable and timeless narratives,” Goyal shared in a post on the social media platform X.

The Minister characterized Pandey as “a friend whose brilliance radiated through his authenticity, warmth, and humor... leaving behind a profound void that will be challenging to fill.”

“My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. Om Shanti!” he added.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also conveyed her sadness regarding Pandey's passing.

Identifying him as “a titan and legend of Indian advertising,” Sitharaman stated that he “revolutionized communication by infusing everyday phrases, earthy humor, and genuine warmth. His legacy will continue to inspire generations.”

Former Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik referred to Pandey as a “doyen of Indian advertising.”

“This creative giant was a remarkable storyteller, communicating through metaphors that reflected daily life and relatable emotions. His departure marks the end of an era,” he remarked on X.

Pandey, “was a man who left enormous imprints on the advertising industry,” stated Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, on X.

More than the “campaigns he (Pandey) created or the brands he built,” Mahindra noted that the ad guru's “infectious laughter and unyielding zeal for life” will be cherished most.

“He reminded us that even in the serious craft of persuasion, joy and humanity must always be remembered... Farewell, my friend. You enriched our lives,” Mahindra expressed.

Shiv Sena-UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also shared her condolences, calling Pandey “a communication genius” and “a truly inspiring individual.”

“Piyush Pandey wasn’t merely an advertising professional -- he was one of India’s greatest storytellers. He taught us that emotion is the truest language of creativity. His words humanized brands and made ideas timeless. Goodbye to a legend who made us feel, think, and smile,” remarked former Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani on X.

Pandey’s career was marked by a series of iconic campaigns that became cultural milestones. He was instrumental in crafting one of India’s most iconic political slogans, “Ab ki baar, Modi sarkar.”

His advertising portfolio features some of the most unforgettable advertisements in Indian history, including 'Kuch Khaas Hai Zindagi Mein' for Cadbury Dairy Milk showcasing the dancing girl, Asian Paints' 'Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai', and the beloved 'ZooZoo' characters for Vodafone.