Mumbai was draped in mourning as Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and his former wife, director Kiran Rao, arrived at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) to pay their last respects to the legendary industrialist Ratan Tata, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86.
A Cherished Legacy
Aamir Khan expressed deep admiration for Tata's remarkable contributions to the nation. "Today is a sad day for all of us and the whole country," he said. "What he has done for the nation through his company under his leadership is priceless. He was a rare person. We will all miss him a lot." Dressed in a grey short kurta and black pants, Aamir, along with Kiran, who wore a white top with black trousers, blended into the crowd as they mourned the loss of the icon.
Fond Memories
Kiran Rao also shared her heartfelt sentiments, recalling her fortunate moments spent with Tata. “We were lucky to spend some time with him. He was a good soul, and he is no longer with us. He has done a lot for us,” she stated while speaking to the media outside the venue.
The Final Farewell
Ratan Tata, the chairman of the Tata Group for over two decades and a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, passed away at 11:30 PM at Breach Candy Hospital in south Mumbai. He had been hospitalized since Monday but reassured his followers through a social media post that there was no cause for concern regarding his health, merely undergoing check-ups for age-related medical conditions.
On Thursday morning, Tata's body was transported from his residence in a hearse adorned with white flowers to the NCPA, allowing the public to pay their final tributes. His last rites are scheduled to be performed at Mumbai's Worli Crematorium, with the state of Maharashtra honoring him with a state funeral.
A Loss for the Nation
Ratan Tata's passing is not just a loss for his family and the Tata Group but for the entire nation. His vision and leadership have left an indelible mark on India's industrial landscape, making him a beloved figure in the hearts of millions. As tributes continue to pour in from across the country, it is clear that Tata’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.