When Ratan Tata borrowed money from Amitabh Bachchan at Heathrow Airport: "Can I borrow some money? I don’t have any…"

Amitabh Bachchan and Ratan Tata shared a rare and respectful bond — both personally and professionally. Though the legendary industrialist is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through stories shared by those who knew him. Known for his humility despite his immense wealth, Ratan Tata left a lasting impression on everyone he met. A perfect example of this was shared by Amitabh Bachchan during an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 16, where filmmaker Farah Khan and actor Boman Irani were the special guests. Mr. Bachchan fondly recalled a moment that truly captured Tata’s grounded nature and quiet grace.

Recalling one unforgettable incident, he said that the two were once on a flight to London together. After landing at Heathrow Airport , Ratan Tata realised he had been separated from his aides and needed to make a phone call. “He stepped into a phone booth to call someone,” Bachchan shared with a smile. “I was standing nearby. A little later, he walked up to me and said something I still can’t believe — ‘Amitabh, can I borrow some money? I don’t have any change to make a phone call.’” Calling him “such a simple human being,” Mr. Bachchan paused and added emotionally, “Kya aadmi the, main bata nahi sakta.” A simple ask in a London airport revealed a lot more than words ever could — the quiet dignity and humility that defined Ratan Tata.

Big B also 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.”

Amitabh Bachchan also had a professional association with the late Ratan Tata through the Tata Group ’s foray into cinema. In 2004, Tata Infomedia Ltd — the media and entertainment arm of the conglomerate — backed the psychological thriller Aetbaar, featuring Bachchan in the lead role. While the film didn’t fare well commercially and is said to have incurred losses of around ₹3.5 crore, the collaboration stood as a testament to Ratan Tata’s understated yet meaningful support for the arts and creative storytelling.

When news of Ratan Tata’s passing broke, Amitabh Bachchan was among the first to pay tribute. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he had wrote, “Just came to learn of the passing of Shri Ratan Tata... was working very late. An era has ended — a most respected, humble yet visionary leader of immense foresight and resolve. Spent some wonderful moments with him during several campaigns we were involved in together. My prayers.”

His words echoed what many felt — that with Ratan Tata’s departure, the world had lost not just a business icon, but a deeply respected, humane visionary.