Ratan Tata, the iconic Indian industrialist and former chairman of the Tata Group, passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86 in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. As India and the global business community come to terms with the loss of one of the nation’s most beloved figures, heartfelt tributes have been pouring in from all corners, including Bollywood actors, filmmakers, and musicians, who have shared memories of the visionary leader.
While Tata was primarily known for his extraordinary business acumen, there were some lesser-known facets to his life, such as his fondness for films, particularly action comedies. In a 2020 interview with the BBC, Tata’s close associate Shantanu Naidu revealed that the industrialist had a particular liking for Hollywood action-comedy films. Two of his favorites included ‘The Other Guys,’ featuring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, and ‘The Lone Ranger,’ which was brought back to the big screen in 2013, starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer.
The original ‘The Lone Ranger’ dates back to a 1956 Western film, which was itself inspired by a popular television series with Clayton Moore playing the title character and Jay Silverheels as his loyal companion, Tonto. This was followed by a sequel, ‘The Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold,’ released in 1958. Decades later, in 2013, the story was revived in a modern retelling with Johnny Depp taking on the role of Tonto and Armie Hammer playing John Reid, also known as the Lone Ranger, as they joined forces to fight against corruption and greed.
On the other hand, ‘The Other Guys,’ a 2010 action-comedy, starred Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell as Terry and Allen, two mismatched detectives who are given a second chance to prove their worth by taking down a corrupt businessman. The film is known for its humor and high-energy action, making it a perfect choice for Tata, who enjoyed light-hearted, yet thrilling cinematic experiences.
Naidu also mentioned that Tata had a favorite Netflix binge-watch: ‘Fauda,’ a gripping series that delves into the experiences of an undercover unit in the Israeli Defense Forces. ‘Fauda’ follows the intense journey of Doron, an Israeli soldier, as he pursues a terrorist while navigating the dangers of undercover operations. The show’s action-packed storyline and complex characters made it a standout in Tata’s entertainment lineup.
Though Tata had a clear fondness for Hollywood, he often had light-hearted takes on Indian cinema. In a throwback interview with Simi Garewal, he quipped about the excessive violence in Hindi films, humorously remarking, “There is more ketchup spread in Hindi movies than in all the restaurants of Bombay.” He confessed that while his Hindi had improved over the years, he found it difficult to escape the allure of Hindi films on television.
Ratan Tata’s life story is filled with resilience and achievements. After his parents’ divorce, he was adopted by his grandparents at the age of 10 and later pursued his education at Cornell University, earning a bachelor’s degree in architecture. His career with the Tata Group began in 1961 when he worked on the shop floor at Tata Steel, eventually rising to lead the entire conglomerate.
As the Tata legacy continues to unfold, Noel Tata, Ratan’s half-brother and the son of Naval Tata’s second marriage, remains a prominent figure in the company. Noel’s three children—Maya, Neville, and Leah—are seen as potential torchbearers for the family’s legacy in the years to come.
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