Mumbai, October 24: The last rites of advertising icon Piyush Pandey will be performed at 11 am on Saturday at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. The industry is expected to turn out in large numbers to pay their final respects to one of India’s most celebrated creative minds.

Pandey, known for revolutionising Indian advertising with his earthy storytelling and relatable humour, passed away on Friday at the age of 70. He had been suffering from an infection, according to family sources.

Piyush Pandey was a name synonymous with creativity, wit, and emotion in Indian advertising. He was the mind behind some of India’s most loved and long-remembered campaigns, from Fevicol’s unbreakable bond to Cadbury’s heartwarming ‘Kuch Khaas Hai Zindagi Mein’ and Asian Paints’ ‘Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai’.

Over the years, he became a creative force who understood India’s pulse, blending emotion with everyday life to make brands memorable.

Pandey’s journey with Ogilvy began in 1982 when he joined the agency as an account executive. Six years later, he moved into the creative department and the rest became advertising history.

He went on to serve as Chief Creative Officer Worldwide and Executive Chairman India at Ogilvy, mentoring generations of ad professionals who regarded him as a teacher and a friend.

Apart from crafting legendary campaigns, Piyush Pandey dabbled in acting and writing. He appeared in the 2013 film “Madras Café” and also featured in ICICI Bank’s Magic Pencil Project videos.

Few know that he also contributed as a lyricist for the timeless anthem “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara”, a song that still evokes patriotism and unity. Pandey also co-wrote the screenplay for the film “Bhopal Express.”

Pandey’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian advertising, a man who didn’t just sell products, but told stories that became part of India’s cultural fabric. As the industry gathers in Mumbai today, Piyush Pandey’s legacy will continue to inspire storytellers for generations to come.

Mumbai: A shocking incident occurred in the Kalachowki area, where a 24-year-old woman was brutally attacked in broad daylight by her former boyfriend, identified as Sonu Barai, who later ended his own life.

According to police sources, the couple had broken up about 8–10 days ago, following which Barai had allegedly been trying to reconcile with the woman. When she refused, he launched a violent attack on her near a local nursing home.

The woman, who sustained serious injuries, was immediately rushed to the hospital in a taxi with the help of locals. Eyewitnesses reported panic at the scene as the assault unfolded on a busy street.

Following the attack, Barai inflicted fatal injuries on himself. Both were initially taken to the hospital, where the woman remains in critical condition.

Kalachowki Police reached the spot soon after receiving the alert and have initiated further investigation into the matter.

Patna, Oct 24: After the withdrawal deadline for the second phase of nominations ended, a total of 70 candidates have taken back their nominations for the upcoming Bihar Assembly Election 2025, according to data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday.

The deadline ended at 5 p.m. on Thursday. For the second phase, nominations were filed for 122 Assembly seats across 18 districts.

A total of 1,761 candidates had submitted their nomination papers, out of which 389 nominations were rejected during scrutiny.

After scrutiny, 1,372 nominations were found valid. Following the withdrawal of 70 candidates, 1,302 candidates now remain in the fray for the second phase.

A district-wise analysis of withdrawals shows that the highest number came from Kishanganj, where 10 candidates withdrew their nominations.

In Araria, seven candidates pulled out, while West Champaran, East Champaran, Madhubani, Katihar, and Rohtas districts saw five withdrawals each.

In Gaya and Nawada, four candidates each withdrew their nominations, while Sitamarhi, Bhagalpur, Banka, Jehanabad, and Aurangabad recorded three withdrawals each.

Sheohar, Supaul, Purnea, Arwal, and Jamui witnessed one withdrawal each, and no candidate withdrew their name in Kaimur district.

The nomination process for the second phase began on October 13 and concluded on October 20, with voting scheduled for November 11.

The upcoming Assembly election in Bihar is shaping up to be a direct contest between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan).

While the NDA has already begun its campaign under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the Grand Alliance recently resolved internal disputes over seat-sharing and leadership.

Following intervention by senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, the alliance announced Tejashwi Yadav as its Chief Ministerial candidate, and Mukesh Sahani of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) as one of the Deputy Chief Ministers if the alliance forms the government.

With both alliances finalising their strategies and leadership, Bihar is now set for an intense electoral battle in the coming weeks.