Ratan Tata – As the head of a powerful family, Ratan Group left a lasting mark on India by buying well-known British brands like Tetley Tea and Jaguar.
Tata, one of India’s most influential and respected business leaders, transformed the Tata Group into a global corporation with famous brands. He passed away on Wednesday in Mumbai at the age of 86.
The Tata Group announced his death but did not mention the cause. According to Reuters, he had been in a hospital’s critical care unit.
From 1991 to 2012, during his 21 years as chairman and CEO, Ratan Tata Group’s profits grew 50 times, with most of the revenue coming from international sales of well-known products like Jaguar, Land Rover, and Tetley tea.
Even though the Tata Group expanded globally under his leadership, its influence in India remained stronger than ever. For many middle-class Indians, Tata products were a part of everyday life. They drank Tata tea in the morning, used Tata Photon for the internet, traveled in Tata taxis or drove Tata cars, and used many products made with Tata steel.
Who Will Lead Tata Trusts After Ratan Tata? Key Names in Focus
The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Tata Trust are the main shareholders of Tata Sons, holding about 52% of the company.
Ratan Tata’s passing has created a key leadership gap at Tata Trusts, the charitable organizations that guide the $165-billion Tata Group.
Before his death, he did not name a successor, so the board of trustees will now decide who will lead Tata Trusts.
Ratan Tata flew an F-16 fighter jet over Bengaluru, showing his love for flying.
In February 2007, Tata embarked on a thrilling high-speed adventure. At the Aero India Show in Bengaluru, 69-year-old Tata was invited by US defense company Lockheed Martin to co-pilot an F-16 fighter jet.
With his experience in flying jets and helicopters, Tata gladly took the chance. Guided by an experienced Lockheed Martin pilot, he took control of the plane during the 30-minute flight. He soared through the skies, flying as low as 500 feet, and described the experience as “exhilarating.”
“You end up feeling quite timid,” Ratan Tata said. “We did a few exciting maneuvers when the commander took over. We flew down to about 500 feet above the ground, navigating around the landscape. It was unbelievable to climb over a hill, come down, and turn to the side. The experience was simply amazing.”
The Lockheed Martin pilot who guided Tata during the flight also excitedly shared. “He was thrilled. The best part was flying at low altitudes—around 500 feet—at 600 knots. You feel how fast this aircraft can go,” the pilot remembered.
After landing, Lockheed Martin officials welcomed Mr. Tata and gave him a miniature replica of the F-16. At that time, the American defense company was competing for a major multi-billion-dollar defense contract with India.
State Funeral for Ratan Tata, India’s Beloved Industrialist
Ratan body will be at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai’s Nariman Point today from 10 am to 4 pm, allowing people to pay their final respects. Tata, the industry giant who passed away at 86 in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday, will be cremated with full state honors. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declared Thursday a day of mourning to honor the renowned industrialist and philanthropist.
The national flag will be flown at half-mast across government offices in Maharashtra as a mark of respect, and several events planned for Thursday have been canceled.
Ratan Tata’s body will be at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai’s Nariman Point from 10 am to 4 pm today for people to pay their last respects. The cremation will take place in Worli later today. Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the funeral, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for Laos to attend the ASEAN-India and East Asia summits.
Tata’s death marks the end of an era in Indian business. He transformed India’s industrial landscape and turned his family-owned company into a global powerhouse.
India Loses Ratan Tata: Bombay House Will Never Be the Same
In recent years, Tata’s public image changed. He went from being a sophisticated industrialist known for global takeovers and boardroom success to being seen as a beloved, warm uncle. This shift happened when dogs became a key part of his life.
When Tata joined Instagram on October 30, 2019, he admitted, “I don’t know about breaking the internet, but I am excited to join you.” His second post, three days later, featured him with his late dog Tito, celebrating what would have been Tito’s 14th birthday.
This personal and approachable style was perfect for social media, making people feel connected to him, especially younger generations. Featuring his dog made his posts even more popular, helping him quickly gain millions of followers.