This Bollywood star was good friend of Ratan Tata, not Amitabh Bachchan, Similar Garewal, was called for launch of Tata…

Ratan Tata’s enduring friendship with Amrish Puri, formed over the launch of the Tata Indica, is an example of the connections beyond business.

The story of an unexpected but heartwarming friendship between industrialist Ratan Tata and legendary Bollywood actor Amrish Puri dates back to December 1998. This was a time when Tata was preparing to introduce India’s first homegrown car, the Tata Indica. Amrish Puri played a unique part in this historic event. Though he is primarily known for his on-screen roles, this moment marked the beginning of a strong bond between the two icons.

A Call From Ratan Tata

During those days, Amrish Puri was busy in his shooting for various movies and back to back shifts schdueled. Bollywood’s top actors, Amrish Puri received a special request from Ratan Tata. According to Vardhan Puri, Amrish Puri’s grandson, Ratan Tata personally reached out to his grandfather with an invitation. Vardhan shared this memory on a social media platform. He said he remembers the phone conversation in which Tata asked, “I’m launching India’s first indigenously produced car. Will you be kind enough to launch the Tata Indica with me on the 30th of the month, one day shy of New Year’s Eve?”

Despite handling back-to-back film shoots, Amrish Puri accepted the invitation, responding, “Anything for a true visionary. I will be there.”

Historical Moment: ‘Tata Indica’ Launched

On December 30, 1998, both Ratan Tata and Amrish Puri stood together to launch the Tata Indica. This event marked a turning point in India’s automotive history, with the introduction of the country’s first indigenously designed and manufactured car. The kind gesture from Amrish Puri deeply moved Ratan Tata, and what began as a professional collaboration quickly turned into a lifelong friendship.

Ratan Tata Letter After Amrish Puri's Demise

The friendship between Ratan Tata and Amrish Puri extended beyond this one event. Vardhan Puri notes how the relationship grew stronger over the years, lasting until Amrish Puri’s death in 2005. Ratan Tata’s thoughtful and touching letter to Rajeev Puri, Amrish Puri’s son, after the actor’s passing, left the family emotional. Even after Amrish Puri’s death, the Tata family maintained a close relationship with the Puri family.

Vardhan Puri Tribute To Ratan Tata

In his tribute, Vardhan Puri referred to Ratan Tata as a “real-life hero,” praising his immense contributions to society, philanthropy, and animal welfare. He highlighted Tata’s tireless efforts to improve the lives of both people and animals, especially through his charitable work.

Ratan Tata passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86 in Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai. Hospitalized due to low blood pressure and dehydration, which eventually led to multiple organ failure, Tata’s death marked the end of an era. His legacy, however, lives on, not only in the corporate world but also in the hearts of those whose lives he touched—including the Puri family.