Ila Arun Recalls Brother Piyush Pandey on Death Anniversary

Actress and singer Ila Arun paid a heartfelt tribute to her brother, the renowned advertising veteran and writer Piyush Pandey, on the occasion of his death anniversary. Mumbai is witnessing a quiet week of remembrance as the family marks the milestone.

In an Instagram post accompanied by a photograph, Ila Arun reflected on how difficult the week has been for everyone at home. She noted that it is nearly one year since Piyush Pandey's passing and described him as an invaluable gift from God to the entire family.

The singer also spoke about the depth of their relationship and the growing ache she feels as the first anniversary approaches. According to her, each day is becoming more painful, and her brother stays close to her heart at all times.

Piyush Pandey died in Mumbai on October 23, 2025, at the age of 70, after a prolonged battle with a serious infection. The infection spread across his body and bloodstream, resulting in sepsis, which in turn caused his kidneys, liver and lungs to stop functioning.

Pandey was the Executive Chairman of the advertising firm Ogilvy India and its Global Chief Creative Officer. He reshaped Indian advertising by blending regional languages, local character and emotional depth into campaigns, moving away from Western-influenced styles. For 12 consecutive years, Ogilvy India remained the number one advertising agency in the country under his guidance.

He created many memorable campaigns and slogans, among them Fevicol's 'Yeh Fevicol ka jod hai', Asian Paints' 'Har ghar kuch kehta hai', Cadbury's advertisements, the Pulse Polio campaign 'Do boond zindagi ki', the national integration song 'Mile Sur Mera Tumhara', and the BJP's 2014 slogan 'Abki baar Modi sarkar'. His achievements were recognised with the Padma Shri in 2016, the LIA Legend Award in 2024, and international honours such as Clio and Cannes Lions awards.