Celebrating Piyush Pandey: A Tribute from Adman Prahlad Kakkar

Prahlad Kakkar’s Heartfelt Tribute

“Losing Piyush is incredibly sad. He was a kindred spirit, and I remember our last conversation just two months ago. Over time, we forged a special friendship, sharing laughter over common experiences and even our own imperfections. Piyush was one of the most extraordinary and original talents in advertising that I’ve ever known.”

“His background was deeply rooted in Indian culture, and he revolutionized the advertising landscape. He advocated using Hindi and vernacular languages to communicate effectively with consumers, emphasizing the power of connecting in their mother tongues. This is a legacy that will endure in the annals of advertising history. He created numerous successful campaigns, transforming the fortunes of his clients and enriching the lives of many creatives who were fortunate enough to learn from him—including myself.”

“In the early days of our careers, I would often run into him when he was just a trainee copywriter. He had ideas that others dismissed, so he would come to the editing room on the same floor as my office to showcase his work visually. This dedication helped bridge the gap between concepts and client approval. That’s how our friendship blossomed—through mutual respect for our crafts.”

“We spent time together at various gatherings, and he once launched my book in The Hindu. Our bond grew from our shared irreverence and humor. Even while working as rivals—he was associated with Coke while I worked with Pepsi—we would poke fun at each other. I’ll miss Piyush for his wit, laughter, and the unwavering passion he had for his work and for mentoring others. May his journey take him to many more roads, my dear kindred spirit.”