Ratan Tata Dies At 86: Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao Pay Respects At NCPA Memorial

Veteran industrialist and Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus, Ratan Tata, passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday. He had been admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Monday following a sudden drop in blood pressure and remained in critical condition in the ICU. His mortal remains were placed at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) lawns in Nariman Point, where a large number of people, including actor Aamir Khan and his ex-wife Kiran Rao, gathered to pay their last respects.

In a video shared by ANI on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao were seen offering their condolences with folded hands amid a sea of mourners. The Tata family confirmed Ratan Tata’s passing through an announcement on the Tata Group’s X handle, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love and respect from all those who admired him. “While he is no longer with us in person, his legacy of humility, generosity, and purpose will continue to inspire future generations,” the statement read.

Just days before his passing, Ratan Tata had addressed concerns about his health on social media. In a message posted on Monday, October 7, he urged people not to speculate about his hospitalization, explaining that he was undergoing routine check-ups for age-related conditions. “Thank you for thinking of me,” he wrote, assuring the public that there was “no cause for concern” and that he remained in good spirits.

Prime Minister also paid tribute to Ratan Tata, highlighting his dedication to philanthropy and social causes. He praised Tata’s efforts in championing initiatives related to education, healthcare, sanitation, and animal welfare, remarking, “Shri Ratan Tata Ji’s passion for dreaming big and giving back was truly unique.”

Adopted by his grandparents at the tender age of 10 after his parents’ divorce, he graduated from the Cornell University College of Architecture with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. He first joined the business in 1961, where he worked on the shop floor of Tata Steel.

Noel Tata, the son born from their father Naval Tata’s second marriage, is a strong contender for inheriting the Tata legacy. Noel’s three children – Maya, Neville and Leah – are seen as potential successors to the family legacy.