Mumbai: Diwan Arun Nanda, one of India’s most iconic advertising leaders and co-founder of Rediffusion, passed away on Saturday at the age of 76. His funeral will be held on Sunday, September 7, at Worli Crematorium in Mumbai at 11 a.m.

An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, Nanda was the institute’s first gold medallist from its inaugural batch in 1966. He began his career as a management trainee at Hindustan Lever, where he created the legendary ‘lightning strikes’ branding for Rin detergent. In 1973, he co-founded Rediffusion, which went on to become one of India’s most influential advertising agencies.

Over his five-decade-long career, Nanda twice served as President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and was honoured with its Lifetime Achievement Award. He also held key board positions with major companies such as Air India, Eveready, Kingfisher Airlines, and Yes Bank. Between 1983 and 1991, he worked as an advisor to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Additionally, he served as Chairman of Dentsu Young & Rubicam, a significant joint venture in Asian advertising.

Nanda stepped down as Chairman of Rediffusion in 2023, handing over the role to his longtime associate, Dr. Sandeep Goyal. Reflecting on the agency’s 50-year journey, he had once described it as “a dream run” filled with creativity, brand-building, and lasting client relationships. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian advertising, leaving behind a legacy that transformed the industry.