Ratan Tata Death Anniversary: Parents separated…, love remained incomplete…, how Ratan Tata ruled millions of hearts

Despite his immense wealth, Ratan Tata lived a simple life as humble, private, and grounded person.

Written by: Anirudha Yerunkar Edited by: Anirudha Yerunkar

Published: October 9, 2025, 10:16 AM IST

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https://www.india.com/business/ratan-tata-death-anniversary-parents-seperated-love-remained-incomplete-still-how-he-became-man-who-ruled-millions-of-hearts-8123050/ Copy

Ratan Tata (File)

Ratan Tata was born on December 28, 1937, to Naval and Sooni Tata. He was the great-grandson of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group. Ratan Tata’s parents separated when he was young, and he was raised by his grandmother. He studied abroad and later returned to India at his grandmother’s request.

He started his career by working alongside laborers at Tata Steel for five years, where he gained hands-on experience. 

Ratan Tata Death Anniversary: Rise Of Tata Empire

After joining the family business in 1962, Ratan Tata took over leadership of the group in 1991. Under his vision, the Tata Group’s profits grew 50 times and its presence expanded globally. From Tata Salt to the world’s most affordable car, the Tata Nano, he led innovations that reached every Indian household.

During his studies in the U.S., Ratan Tata fell in love with an American woman, and the two planned to marry. However, the 1962 Indo-China war forced him to return to India. The woman’s parents did not allow her to follow him, and the marriage never happened. Tata remained unmarried all his life.

Ratan Tata Standing Up For His Employees

For Ratan Tata, Tata Group employees were not just staff but they were family. In the 1980s, when a gangster began threatening Tata employees to control their workers’ union, Ratan Tata personally intervened. He confronted the gangster himself to protect his people.

In another incident in 2004, when senior executive Prakash M. Telang fell seriously ill, Tata personally piloted a plane to bring him to Mumbai for medical treatment.

Ratan Tata During 26/11 Mumbai Attacks

When terrorists attacked Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in 2008, Ratan Tata rushed to the site despite the danger. Standing outside the burning hotel, the 70-year-old leader said, “Not one terrorist should leave alive. If needed, destroy the property, but protect our nation’s honor.”

Within 20 days of the attack, Tata ensured financial and emotional support given to every affected employee and their families by offering Rs 36 to Rs 85 lakh in assistance.