The Advertising Club Trivandrum hosted a special edition of its Living Room Session to honour the creative legacy of Piyush Pandey, whose work has shaped the trajectory of Indian advertising for over three decades. The gathering brought together professionals, students and brand leaders for an evening of reflection and storytelling.
The session was moderated by BR Swarup, co-founder of Stark Communications, alongside producer and Nirvana Films co-founder Sneha Iype. Swarup described Iype as “one of the most genuine and warmest people” he has worked with, highlighting her longstanding association with Pandey across significant phases of her career. Iype began her journey at Highlight Films, moved to Ogilvy and later co-founded Nirvana Films with Prakash Varma-collaborating closely with Pandey on several memorable campaigns.
In her address, Iype shared personal insights into Pandey’s instinctive storytelling, his talent for finding emotion in everyday life and his creative presence in the room. She recounted the making of the iconic Hutch Boy and Dog commercial, recalling how Pandey watched the final cut repeatedly and was moved to tears—something she noted was unusual for him. He strongly pushed for airing the longer 62-second version, which ultimately became one of Indian advertising’s most enduring ads.
Iype also reflected on Pandey’s leadership style, drawing parallels with his background in cricket. She described his approach as one rooted in choosing the right people, giving them freedom and backing them completely-a combination that made him a defining mentor to countless creatives.
Laj Salam, president of Ad Club Trivandrum, spoke about the club’s long-held desire to host Pandey, recalling the message he had sent during the club’s launch. Vishnu Vijay, secretary of the club, expressed gratitude to Iype and Swarup for leading a conversation that illuminated both the professional impact and the human qualities that define Pandey’s body of work.
Quote from Sneha Iype:
“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.”
