When Ratan Tata Borrowed Money From Amitabh Bachchan

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan has shared some touching anecdotes about industrialist-philanthropist Ratan Tata, who died on October 9. On an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 16, featuring filmmaker Farah Khan and actor Boman Irani as guests, Mr Bachchan recounted a memorable interaction with Mr Tata, calling him “such a simple human being” and reflecting, “Kya aadmi the main bata nahi sakta (What a man he was).”

Mr Bachchan said once he and Mr Tata were on a flight to London. Shortly after they landed at Heathrow Airport, the late billionaire realised he couldn't find his aides. “He went into the phone booth to call,” Mr Bachchan recalled with a smile. “I was standing there. After a while, he came out, approached me, and, I can't believe that he said this – ‘Amitabh, can I borrow some money from you? I don't have money to make a phone call.'”

Mr Bachchan recalled another interaction where Mr Tata's modesty took even his friends by surprise. He recounted how a friend who attended an event with Ratan Tata was astonished when he asked him for a ride home. “Ratan Tata told my friend, ‘Can you drop me home? I just live behind your house,'” Mr Bachchan shared. “Ratan Tata saying, ‘I don't have a car' – can you imagine that? It's unbelievable.”