India, Oct. 24 -- Piyush Pandey, the creative visionary who gave Indian advertising its distinct voice and soul, died on Thursday. He was 70.

For over four decades, Pandey stood as the face of Ogilvy India - and of Indian advertising itself. With his trademark moustache, booming laugh, and deep understanding of the Indian consumer, he transformed ads from English-speaking showcases into stories rooted in the country's everyday life and emotion.

Born in Jaipur, Pandey's first tryst with advertising came early, when he and his brother Prasoon voiced radio jingles for everyday products. Before joining Ogilvy in 1982, he dabbled in cricket, tea tasting, and construction work. But it was at Ogilvy that he found his calling - and went on to r...