The passing of veteran industrialist Ratan Tata on October 9 has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the nation and celebrities alike, many of whom took to social media to share heartfelt messages. Amid this, an old interview featuring Mahabharat star Gufi Paintal resurfaced, where he highlighted his special relationship with Tata, revealing that they had both shared room number 21 in the same hostel.
Recalling his time pursuing engineering in Jamshedpur, Gufi Paintal noted that his room number was 22, while Ratan Tata resided in room 21. He mentioned that Tata had returned from the USA around the same time after completing his training.
“He was a true gentleman, and I felt proud as an Indian and a friend to see him as the head of the Tata Group of Companies,” said Gufi Paintal. He emphasised their bond, recalling how Ratan Tata would invite him into his room for discussions. The actor added, “He had a beautiful silver convertible Plymouth with a high-fidelity radio in his car at that time. That was the era when having a radio in the car was a new thing.”
Paintal continued to express his admiration for the late industrialist. Reflecting on one of their accidental meetings, he shared, “I remember a day when I was about to cross Linking Road in Bandra. A big car showed up, and I noticed two large dogs in the back. It was Ratan Tata returning home. He stopped and asked can I drop you, but said, ‘No, Ratan, thank you so much. I’m crossing the road; my car is on the other side.”
Ratan Tata passed away at the age of 86. Announcing the news, Tata Group in a statement, said, “It is with deep sadness and with a heavy heart that we inform you of the demise of our beloved Chairman, Ratan N Tata, a legend of our times who passed away on 9th of October 2024. While we will miss his physical presence, he will always live in our hearts. & minds. We rededicate ourselves to carrying forward his legacy & that of the Founders, which is rooted in India’s civilisational values and strives for the welfare of all.”
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