Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan has shared heartfelt memories of the late industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata, who passed away on October 9. In a recent episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 16, featuring guests Farah Khan and Boman Irani, Bachchan spoke fondly of Tata, describing him as “such a simple human being” and reflecting on his remarkable character.
One of the poignant stories recounted by Bachchan involved a flight to London with Tata. Upon landing at Heathrow Airport, Tata realized he couldn’t find his aides. “He went into the phone booth to call,” Bachchan remembered with a smile. “After a while, he came out and approached me, and, I can’t believe that he said this – ‘Amitabh, can I borrow some money from you? I don’t have money to make a phone call.’”
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Another touching anecdote highlighted Tata’s modesty. Bachchan recalled a friend who was surprised to learn that Tata had requested a ride home. “Ratan Tata told my friend, ‘Can you drop me home? I just live behind your house,’” he shared. “Ratan Tata saying, ‘I don’t have a car’ – can you imagine that? It’s unbelievable.”
Bachchan also noted his professional ties to Tata, revealing that Tata Infomedia Ltd financed the film Aetbaar, which starred Bachchan. Despite the film’s underwhelming box office performance, resulting in a reported loss of around ₹3.5 crore for the Tata group, Bachchan remembered Tata’s support fondly.
Amitabh Bachchan was among the first to publicly mourn Tata’s passing. He expressed his sorrow on X, stating, “Just came to learn of the passing of Shri Ratan Tata … An era has ended—a most respected, humble yet visionary leader of immense foresight and resolve. Spent some wonderful moments with him during several campaigns we were involved in together. My prayers.”
Ratan Tata’s funeral, held in Mumbai on October 11, drew many notable attendees, including cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Home Minister Amit Shah, and industrialist Mukesh Ambani, among others. Bachchan’s heartfelt reflections serve as a testament to the profound impact Tata had on those who knew him.
