The passing of business tycoon and philanthropist Ratan Tata on October 9 left a profound impact on many Indians. Recently, Amitabh Bachchan took a moment on Kaun Banega Crorepati 16 to honor Tata’s legacy, sharing a touching anecdote from a trip they took together to London.
In a promo featuring guests Boman Irani and Farah Khan, Bachchan recalled a time when both were on the same flight to London. Upon arriving at Heathrow Airport, Tata found himself in a predicament when his arranged transport had left him. In a moment that highlighted his humility, Tata approached Bachchan to borrow money for a phone call, saying, “Amitabh, can I borrow some money from you? I don’t have money to make a phone call!” This encounter showcased Tata’s simplicity and grounded nature, leaving a lasting impression on Bachchan.
Bachchan shared another story, recalling how a friend once offered Tata a ride home after an event. Tata responded, “I don’t have a car,” further exemplifying his modesty despite his immense stature.
Interestingly, Ratan Tata and Amitabh Bachchan had collaborated in the past; Tata’s production company financed the film Aetbaar, which, despite its star cast, faced financial losses, leading the Tata group to step back from the film industry.
Ratan Tata’s funeral took place in Mumbai on October 11, attended by numerous high-profile figures, including Sachin Tendulkar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Mukesh Ambani. Many in the Bollywood community also paid tribute to him, with Bachchan expressing his sorrow on social media, stating, “An era has ended… a most respected, humble yet visionary leader of immense foresight and resolve.”
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On the other hand Amitabh Bachchan recently honored veteran actor Chiranjeevi with the ANR National Award in Hyderabad, marking the 100th birth anniversary of Akkineni Nageswara Rao. In a heartfelt speech before presenting the award, Bachchan praised Chiranjeevi and expressed his gratitude to Nagarjuna and his family for inviting him to the prestigious event.
Bachchan reflected on their friendship, stating, “I feel deeply honored that you have chosen me to honor my dear friend and colleague Chiranjeevi. Whenever I call, he is always there.” He also thanked Chiranjeevi for including him in his film projects and acknowledged his appreciation for the Telugu film industry, saying, “Now I can proudly say that I am a member of the Telugu film industry.”
Chiranjeevi became emotional while accepting the award. In a touching gesture, he bowed down and touched Amitabh’s feet, seeking his blessings. The ANR National Award, presented by the Akkineni International Foundation, recognizes artists for their lifetime contributions to cinema, and this moment highlighted the deep respect and camaraderie between the two legendary actors.
