Farewell to a Titan: Remembering Ratan Tata, the architect of modern India Inc.

There was a surprise squall in Mumbai last night, presumably spoiling plans for any late-night drives down Marine Drive. It was also demonstrative of real life, as the bright firmament of India Inc went a little dimmer with the passing of Ratan Tata, a man who loved his drives in expensive cars—"my one self-indulgence," as he once remarked during a rare interview—down that very road.

As with the passing of any titan in their field, the next few days will be filled with eulogies, obituaries and retrospectives on Ratan Tata, as well they should be. But what will perhaps be most noticeable is how far and wide those tributes will be, a testament to his stature not only as a business icon but also as an extraordinary example of humanity, decency, and progress.

exchange4media is fortunate to speak to many diverse voices, all of whom had their own Ratan Tata moment. These reflections serve as evidence of the far-reaching impact of a man who built not just businesses but also shaped the trajectory of modern India.

Sandeep Goyal, MD of Rediffusion Media, recalled a pivotal encounter from 2001. “We, as Team Rediffusion, were presenting to Mr. Tata and his top brass for the Tata Media AoR. It was the first time ever the Tata Group was going to consolidate its entire media planning and buying with one agency. I made the final pitch, and Mr. Tata sat through the one-hour presentation without saying a word. When I finished, he looked at Mr. Nanda and asked, ‘Arun, what should the Tatas be doing in digital going forward?’ Digital as a medium was still in its infancy, but it shows how keyed in he was to where the world was headed long before any of us.”

This foresight, coupled with a humble demeanour, characterized much of Sir Ratan (a courtesy title he didn’t particularly care for, but one that encapsulates the man’s puissance) and his leadership style. His tenure at the helm of Tata Group, starting in 1991, mirrored India’s economic liberalization and its rise on the global stage. The acquisition of global brands like Tetley Tea, Corus, and the iconic Jaguar Land Rover transformed not just Tata Group, but the perception of Indian businesses worldwide.

His emphasis on innovation was evident in projects like the Tata Nano, though he himself acknowledged it as a rare misstep, remarking that marketing it as the 'world’s cheapest car' had been a mistake. 'No one wants to be seen driving the world’s cheapest car,' he once candidly admitted.

Chandramouli, CEO of TRA Research, summed it up: "Ratan Tata’s influence on building Brand Bharat is immeasurable. His leadership transformed the Tata Group into a global entity while keeping its roots firmly grounded in Indian ethos."

The acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover in 2008 for $2.3 billion, a move that saved thousands of jobs in the UK, was emblematic of Tata’s ability to breathe new life into struggling Western brands. Under his ownership, both brands thrived, cementing his reputation as a visionary leader who could deftly navigate the complex waters of international business.

“Ratan Tata played with a straight bat in life and business,” said Chandramouli. “His forays into digital transformation leave a lasting legacy not only for Tata but for India at large.” That legacy includes Tata Group’s focus on ethical business practices and innovation, which helped shape the global narrative of Indian businesses as responsible corporate citizens.

The impact of Sir Ratan extended far beyond the boardroom. Samit Sinha, Founder of Alchemist Brand Consulting, highlighted this, commenting, “The Tata Group has been synonymous with the industrial development of independent India, even before Ratan Tata’s leadership. His greatest contribution was making Tata an internationally recognized global brand.”

Nikhil Kumar, Chief Growth Officer at Mediasmart by Affle, echoed these sentiments, saying, “The news of Ratan Tata’s demise broke with a widespread sense of sorrow, and to most Indians, it felt like a personal loss. His contributions to India’s rise as a global economic force and his philanthropy have left an indelible mark on society.” He added a poignant quote from Ratan Tata’s book ‘The Wit & Wisdom of Ratan Tata’: “In times of adversity, you can either steal yourself away from the situation or steel yourself up towards it.”

Sir Ratan’s legacy is deeply felt in the marketing world. Sejal Kumar, Founder and CEO of Kiaos Media, remarked, “Ratan Tata's visionary leadership not only globalized Indian companies but also built Brand Bharat by showcasing India's business acumen, innovation, and ethical leadership on the world stage.”

For Anita Nayyar, Former COO of Media, Branding & Communication at Patanjali, the loss was deeply personal: “I worked with a few of his group companies—Tata Motors, Voltas—but was never fortunate enough to meet him. Yet today, I feel an unexplainable void. His values trickled down from his people and his companies. Personalities like him grace mankind once in a lifetime.”

Indeed, words seem inadequate to capture the totality of Ratan Tata’s contributions. As India mourns the loss of this extraordinary leader, it also celebrates the enduring legacy he leaves behind—a legacy that reshaped industries, uplifted millions, and elevated India’s standing in the world.

"Though I never had the fortune of working directly with Mr. Tata, I have seen and felt the Tata culture closely. A culture driven by Mr. Tata himself. There is absolute calm even when the stakes are high. Lines of mutual respect that never get crossed. The top guys never make juniors feel small. The politeness is omnipresent. And partners are treated like one. It’s always about doing the right thing. It’s always about growing the right way. And that makes all the difference."

- Saad Khan, President & Managing Partner, DDB Mudra Group

"When you’re a man of Ratan Tata’s importance, it’s easy for you to make anyone or everyone feel small or insignificant. Even more so if you’re the youngest person in the room. Instead he treated me with the utmost of respect and heard every word I had to say before offering his point of view. He even took the effort to remember my name; not just for that meeting, but for the ones after that as well. Come to think of it, I did feel small that day. In front of the humility of a great man."

- Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer at DDB Mudra Group