PIYUSH PANDEY HONOURED POSTHUMOUSLY AT IBLA HALL OF FAME 2026

The India Business Leader Awards 2026 Hall of Fame posthumously honoured Piyush Pandey in Mumbai on 14 March, recognising his transformative impact on Indian advertising. Family tributes and industry reflections underscored his legacy as a visionary storyteller whose work gave Indian advertising its voice and cultural resonance.

On 14 March in Mumbai, the India Business Leader Awards (IBLA) Hall of Fame posthumously honoured Piyush Pandey, the legendary creative force who passed away on 24 October 2025. The Hall of Fame, reserved for rare individuals whose contributions have profoundly shaped millions of lives, celebrated Pandey’s extraordinary influence on Indian advertising and culture.

Widely regarded as the man who gave Indian advertising its voice and accent, Pandey spent over four decades at Ogilvy India, where his vision and leadership defined the agency’s identity. His work, from the iconic ‘Mile Sur Mera Tumhara’ to countless brand stories, became cultural touchstones that celebrated India and its people.

The ceremony was marked by poignant tributes from his family. His sister, singer Ila Arun, expressed heartfelt gratitude to CNBC-TV18 for honouring him, recalling how his presence would have brought a unique liveliness to the evening. She dedicated the trophy to his creative partners, Ogilvy, and above all to her brother, exclaiming, “Bhaiya! I love you!” His brother, filmmaker Prasoon Pandey, reflected on Piyush’s rare ability to connect deeply with people, describing him as not only a phenomenal creative mind but also a deeply empathetic observer of life, relationships, and human emotion.

The Managing Editor of CNBC-TV18 shared her own bittersweet memories, noting Pandey’s constant support for the awards and his role as a mentor. “He is sorely and deeply missed,” she said.

The evening was a testament to Pandey’s enduring legacy: a leader, mentor, and storyteller whose creativity and empathy transformed advertising into a celebration of India’s spirit. His induction into the IBLA Hall of Fame ensures his voice will continue to inspire generations.