I miss the era when we did not mute the TV during ads. Because all major brands were reaching out to Piyush Pandey for memorable ads. There are legends, and then there is Piyush Pandey, the man who made India fall in love with advertising.
Believe it or not, Piyush Pandey was once an account executive at Ogilvy, not a creative director. He used to collect ad briefs from the clients. He soon noticed a big chasm that no one was able to identify. The chasm was a lack of emotion in the campaigns. Piyush Pandey belonged to a middle-class family and hence had a good understanding of how common people look at brands. And I thank god that Mr. Pandey chose to join the creative team.
His ideas spoke our language, carried our emotions, and stayed in our hearts long after the ads ended. Here are 10 iconic ads by Piyush Pandey that changed how India looked at brands forever.
10 Iconic Ads by Piyush Pandey That Made Our Childhood More Fun
1. Cadbury Dairy Milk – “Kuch Khaas Hai Hum Sabhi Mein”
A young girl dancing on a cricket field with complete joy and no care in the world. That moment changed Indian advertising. Piyush Pandey showed that chocolates were not just for kids but for everyone who celebrates life. The ad became a symbol of happiness, freedom, and emotion. Even today, the tune brings a smile. Watch the ad here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7JATezA1nY
2. Fevicol – “Fevicol Ka Mazboot Jod”
Nobody sold glue like this man did. From the famous bus overloaded with people that never breaks apart to the fish stuck on the wall, Fevicol became a part of Indian humor. But the most unforgettable one was the egg ad. An egg drops on a copper vessel, the vessel breaks, but the egg stays unbroken. The idea was so simple yet so powerful that everyone remembered it instantly. No dialogues, just visual storytelling. That is what made Piyush Pandey ads iconic. Thousands of Instagram influencers still use the song- “Sharma ki dulhan jo byaah ke aayi, sang 2 seater sofa le aayi!” Watch the ad here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC5EhJl1wFE
3. “Do Boond Zindagi Ke” – The Polio Campaign
This was one of the most important public service campaigns in India. Amitabh Bachchan once shared that the campaign was doing well, but still not getting enough parents to bring their kids for vaccination. Piyush Pandey told him, “Sir, this time you scold them.”
So Bachchan did exactly that in the ad. He looked into the camera and scolded parents for their carelessness. The reaction was unbelievable. People in rural India said, “Bachchan sahab gussa ho gaye, isliye hum log aa gaye.”
It was raw, emotional, and powerful. That was the magic of Piyush Pandey, who understood how to talk to the heart of India. Watch the ad here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEqPQ6kmJUQ
4. “Abki Baar Modi Sarkar”
Four simple words turned into the most memorable political slogan of modern India. Whether you supported it or not, you heard it everywhere. The line became a chant across towns and cities. It showed how Piyush Pandey could turn even politics into a brand story that sticks. He overnight changed the image of a public leader into a giant brand.
5. Fevikwik – “Todo Nahi, Jodo”
A fisherman fixes his broken net with Fevikwik and catches fish immediately. It was short, funny, and so sharp that people still quote it. The message was clear: Fevikwik works instantly. This ad proved that humor, timing, and a small idea can create a lasting impact. I always admired how he could convey brand messages without using a single word. A few seconds of the ad are still fresh in our memories.
6. Vodafone – The Pug and ZooZoos
From the little pug that follows its owner everywhere to the white-bodied ZooZoos with no dialogue, these ads became cultural icons. The pug represented loyalty. The ZooZoos represented fun and creativity. Piyush Pandey showed that you do not need words to create emotion. A simple idea and clear emotion were enough. I still remember how my brother and I used to wait for the next ZooZoos ad.
7. Ponds – “Googly Woogly Woosh”
This ad made skincare feel happy and sweet. A catchy tune, soft visuals, and real chemistry made it memorable. It wasn’t about beauty in the glamorous sense. It was about affection and playfulness. Piyush Pandey understood that the best ads are the ones that make people feel warm and connected.
8. Titan – “The Joy of Gifting”
Few ads have captured emotion the way Titan did. With its timeless tune, the brand became a part of every milestone, birthday, wedding, and achievement. The watch was not just an accessory but a memory. Piyush Pandey made Titan about relationships, not time. The simplicity and sincerity made these ads truly unforgettable.
9. Asian Paints – “Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai”
This line became a part of every Indian home. Piyush Pandey showed that paint is not just color on walls but a story of the people who live inside. Each home tells a tale of love, struggle, and hope. The ad made people proud of their spaces. It connected design with emotion, which is what makes it stand out even today.
10. “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara”
Before ad jingles became common, this one united an entire country. The faces, the voices, and the music represented India in all its diversity. It was more than an ad; it was an emotion. Piyush Pandey created something timeless that still gives goosebumps decades later.
Thank you for everything, Piyush Pandey sir.
Because you did not just sell products, you sold feelings. You gave brands a heart and a voice that felt Indian. Your storytelling was rooted in culture, humor, and honesty. You reminded us that the best advertising is not about shouting louder but about speaking truthfully.
You were not just an adman. You were a storyteller who helped India see itself on screen: real, emotional, and proud. Team Go To Clan loves you!
