‘Amitabh, can I borrow some money?’ When Ratan Tata turned to Big B for help

Amitabh Bachchan spoke about the late Ratan Tata in the latest episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 16. In the episode featuring Bollywood choreographer and director Farah Khan and actor Boman Irani, Amitabh Bachchan narrated a story about the legendary Ratan Tata.

Ratan Tata, one of India’s biggest business magnates, died on October 9 after a period of illness. The 86-year-old had headed the Tata Group for about 21 consecutive years between 1991 and 2012.

“He was such a great man and a simple human being,” Bachchan recalled.

Bachchan shared a memory of a trip to London, where he and Ratan Tata happened to be on the same flight. Upon landing at London Heathrow Airport, Tata found himself in a situation where the people expected to pick him up were missing or delayed. In an attempt to contact them, he went to a nearby phone booth but soon came back to Bachchan and asked for help.

“I couldn’t believe it when he approached me and asked, ‘Amitabh, can I borrow some money from you? Because I don’t have money to make phone calls.’

“I can’t believe he said this,” said a surprised Bachchan. He told how simple Ratan Tata was. This small encounter surprised Bachchan and highlighted Tata’s humility and simplicity.

Tata, who passed away earlier this month, is known for his transformative leadership and charity work. He leaves behind a legacy that has influenced contemporary Indian industry and had a substantial impact on society.

“An era has just passed… his humility, his great determination, his vision and his determination to achieve the very best for the nation, always a source of pride. It has been my greatest honor to have had the opportunity and privilege to working together towards common humanitarian goals… A very sad day… my prayers,” Bachchan posted on his Instagram profile after his death.