Ad Club Trivandrum pays tribute to Piyush Pandey’s timeless influence

The Advertising Club Trivandrum hosted a special edition of its signature Living Room Session last evening, paying tribute to the extraordinary legacy of India’s most celebrated advertising icon, Piyush Pandey.

The evening was moderated by BR Swarup, Co-founder of Stark Communications, and featured acclaimed producer and Co-founder of Nirvana Films - Sneha Iype, who was invited to offer a personal and professional reflection on the legend’s life and work.

Introducing her, Swarup described Sneha as “one of the most genuine and warmest people” he has known - someone uniquely positioned to revisit the essence of Pandey’s creative philosophy. With a career that began at Highlight Films under Mahesh Mathai, followed by her long association with Ogilvy, and later her celebrated journey at Nirvana Films with filmmaker Prakash Varma, Sneha has worked closely with Pandey across decades.

In her address, Sneha painted an intimate portrait of Piyush - his infectious laughter, his instinctive
storytelling, and his unmatched ability to spot emotion in the everyday. She recalled meeting him as a young trainee, remembering how his presence instantly filled a room, and how he turned even the
toughest creative puzzles into simple, human conversations. One of the evening’s most poignant
moments came as Sneha revisited the making of the iconic Hutch Boy and Dog commercial. She shared how Pandey, after watching the final cut three times, was moved to tears - an emotion he seldom displayed. Overwhelmed, he hugged director Prakash Varma and insisted the 62-second version be aired, a decision that helped the film become one of India’s most beloved campaigns.

Sneha also reflected on Pandey’s leadership style, shaped deeply by his cricketing roots. He believed in choosing the right team, giving them space, and backing them without hesitation - qualities that made him not just a creative force but an inspiring mentor to many.

Laj Salam, President of Ad Club Trivandrum, offered condolences and recalled the club’s dream of hosting Piyush Pandey at its launch. Although that moment did not materialise, he shared the heartfelt message that Piyush had sent for the occasion - a gesture the club deeply cherishes.

Vishnu Vijay, Secretary, expressed gratitude to Sneha & Swarup for delivering a meaningful and heartfelt tribute to a legend.

The event was attended advertising professionals, students and brand owners to celebrate a man whose humour, humility, and vision defined an era of Indian advertising.

Sneha Iype said, “Piyush had this rare ability to make the ordinary feel magical. He listened, he
observed, and he spoke straight to the heart - and that is why his work still lives in all of us."