Amitabh Bachchan and Ratan Tata: Quiet Strength of Grace and Dignity

Amitabh Bachchan and Ratan Tata, two of India’s most revered public figures, have shared a respectful relationship that transcends their distinct fields of work. Both are my personal favorite icons in their own right—Bachchan in Indian cinema and Tata in business and philanthropy.

Amitabh Bachchan has publicly expressed his admiration for Ratan Tata’s humility and vision on occasions. He has also expressed his deep respect for Tata’s leadership and commitment to ethical business practices. Ratan Tata’s philanthropic endeavors through the Tata Trusts, which focus on education, health, and social causes, have particularly resonated with Bachchan, as both are passionate about giving back to society.

Their mutual respect is evident in various instances, with Bachchan often highlighting Tata’s contributions to nation-building and social welfare. The two have occasionally crossed paths at public events, and Bachchan has shared that Tata’s demeanor is one of simplicity despite his immense achievements. Both men embody values of dedication, integrity, and social responsibility, and their interactions reflect this shared ethos. While there are limited detailed anecdotes of specific personal experiences between the two, their public admiration for each other is clear from interviews and statements.

Amitabh Bachchan has recounted a memorable experience of flying with Ratan Tata later in life, showcasing the latter’s passion for aviation. During one flight, Ratan Tata personally piloted the plane with Bachchan as a passenger. Bachchan has described this event with great admiration, highlighting Tata’s expertise and calm demeanor as a pilot.

Bachchan was particularly impressed by Tata’s multifaceted skills—not only as a businessman but also as an aviator. The two legends shared conversations during the flight, where Bachchan observed Tata’s humble personality despite his vast accomplishments.

In one such incident narrated by Amitabh, early on in his career, the Big B (as Bachchan is fondly coined by billions of his fans across the globe) was sitting next to Ratan Tata on a commercial flight, and at that point, he was also at the peak of his career. While everyone else on the flight recognized Bachchan, Tata was sitting next to him, reading a newspaper without being bothered.  During the flight, they engaged in meaningful conversations, and Bachchan was struck by Tata’s humility and warmth without knowing or realizing who he is or anything about his status. The legendary industrialist, dressed in simple clothes, did not acknowledge Bachchan’s celebrity status and seemed engrossed in his own thoughts to the perplexed Bachchan as he was used to being chased, even as it stands true today, ferociously for his fame and popularity. It was usual characteristic for Ratan Tata that despite Tata’s towering stature in business and philanthropy, he displayed an extraordinary simplicity and charm. Bachchan later narrated the incident publicly and described this incident and said, “I asked him if he watches movies. Yes, but very little and many years ago, Tata replied. After this, we both had a conversation and when we got off the flight, we both told each other our names.” At that point Bachchan realized that he had been sitting next to none other than the legend himself, Shree Ratan Tata.

He further added how he learnt to be humble from Ratan Tata after that day. “I learned that no matter how big you think you are, there’s always someone bigger. Be humble; it costs nothing. So, my friend, remember to stay humble in your career journey. It doesn’t cost anything, and you never know who you might meet along the way!”

Bachchan has often spoken of this incident to highlight the humble nature of great individuals like Ratan Tata, contrasting his immense global influence with his modest demeanor, with Bachchan frequently expressing his gratitude for being part of such an extraordinary experience. This anecdote stands as a reflection of the mutual respect between these two icons, both of whom have dedicated much of their lives to their respective fields and to giving back to society.

This interaction served as a reminder to all of us that, despite fame and fortune, humility and simplicity are what truly define greatness. After hearing the anecdote, I was reminded of the conversations I had with my mother growing up. In her gentle, refined voice, she would often say, ‘Have you ever closely observed a tree laden with fruit? Notice how it always bends.”

Have you read?
World’s Most Innovative Countries, Best Fashion Schools. Best Universities. Best Medical Schools. Best International High Schools. Countries: Most Female Billionaires.