Film Industry Honors Ratan Tata: A Legendary Icon and Visionary Titan
Picture Credits: The Print
By Pavethran Batmanathen
Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Diljit Dosanjh, and SS Rajamouli were among the many notable figures in the film industry who expressed their sorrow over the passing of Ratan Tata, the chairman emeritus of the Tata Group and a revered industrialist. Tata, widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts in addition to his role as a prominent business leader, passed away at a private hospital in Mumbai late on Wednesday night at the age of 86. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Salman Khan shared his grief, saying he was “deeply saddened” by Tata’s death.
Kareena Kapoor Khan, posting a picture of a younger Tata seated in a fighter jet, wrote, “Goodbye to The Titan… Fly high like you loved… and oh how you taught us to love.” Tata, who was known for his love of aviation, held licenses to pilot both jets and helicopters.
Ajay Devgn, one of the first celebrities to express his condolences, emphasized that the world had lost a visionary leader. “Ratan Tata’s legacy will forever inspire generations. His contributions to India and beyond are immeasurable. We are deeply grateful. Rest in peace, Sir,” he wrote on the microblogging site.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas highlighted how Tata’s kindness touched millions. “Your legacy of leadership and generosity will continue to inspire generations. Thank you for your unmatched passion and dedication for everything you did for our country. You have been an inspiration to us all and will be greatly missed, Sir. #RatanTata,” she shared.
Alia Bhatt paid tribute to Tata, acknowledging his life’s lessons in generosity, saying that he had taught many generations “what it is to give.”
Diljit Dosanjh, currently performing in Europe on his ‘Dil-Luminati Tour,’ honored Tata during his concert in Düsseldorf, Germany. “It was important to mention his name here because his life was all about hard work. I never read anywhere that he spoke ill of anyone,” Dosanjh said. He added that Tata’s life embodied the values of hard work and charity, leaving behind a legacy of selflessness. The singer-actor’s remarks were captured in a video posted by his team on Instagram.
Early Thursday morning, Tata’s body was transported from the hospital in an ambulance, accompanied by police escorts, to his residence in Colaba. A state funeral is set to take place on Thursday to honor the industrialist’s monumental contributions.
Filmmaker SS Rajamouli reflected on Tata’s enduring legacy, saying, “Legends are born, and they live forever. It’s hard to imagine a day without using a TATA product. Ratan Tata’s legacy is woven into everyday life. If anyone will stand the test of time alongside the Panchabhootas, it’s him.”
Actor Akshay Kumar expressed his heartbreak at the news of Tata’s demise, writing, “The world bids farewell to a man who built more than just an empire… His legacy of kindness, innovation, and leadership will continue to inspire generations. Rest in peace, a true legend. Om Shanti.”
Dharmendra, deeply moved, shared that he had long wished to meet Tata but never had the chance. “A humble king, who cared for his workers like his own children. Sir, you will always be remembered with great love and respect,” the veteran actor posted on Instagram.
Actor-host Simi Garewal, who had once interviewed Tata on her talk show Rendezvous With Simi Garewal, penned an emotional tribute, saying, “They say you have gone. It’s too hard to bear your loss too hard. Farewell my friend.”
For Kamal Haasan, Tata was more than just an industrialist; he was a “personal hero.” He called Tata a “national treasure whose contributions in nation-building shall forever be etched in the story of modern India.” The actor reflected on Tata’s true wealth being not material but moral, rooted in ethics, integrity, humility, and patriotism.
Haasan also recalled meeting Tata in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, when he was staying at the Taj Hotel. He said that in that moment of national crisis, Tata exemplified the Indian spirit, becoming a symbol of resilience and the drive to rebuild.
Boman Irani, a fellow Parsi, praised Tata’s influence, which extended far beyond industry to philanthropy, compassion, and a special devotion to animals. “Ratan Tata will remain, even in the afterlife, as one of the finest citizens of modern India. Rest in eternal peace, Ratansha,” he wrote.
Anushka Sharma, deeply affected by Tata’s passing, also mourned the loss of a man who represented integrity, grace, and dignity. “Deeply saddened by the tragic news of Shri Ratan Tata. He upheld the values of integrity, grace, dignity through everything he did and was truly an icon and Taj of India. RIP Sir, you have touched so many lives,” she shared.
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