Famous industrialist Ratan Tata passed away on October 9, 2024, leaving countless Indians and people across the world mourning his loss. However, more than his family, Ratan Tata's sudden demise left his youngest friend, Shantanu Naidu, with an irreplaceable void in his heart. In 2021, Shantanu penned a memoir, which is an ode to his and Ratan Tata's friendship.
While Ratan Tata was 86, Shantanu was 28, and together, they formed a rare bond, which could be the basis for kids' stories. Their friendship proved that one can find a friend of any age and at any given point in time. Ratan Tata was described as an introvert, and Shantanu Naidu was one of the few lucky souls who got to make a special place in the billionaire industrialist's heart.
In his memoir, I Came Upon A Lighthouse, Shantanu touched upon many aspects of his friendship with Ratan Tata. The title describes Ratan Tata as a 'Lighthouse' in Shantanu's life. Further, Naidu revealed that while he was leaving for further studies in the United States, he requested a meeting with Ratan Tata.
Ratan Tata agreed and invited him to a farewell dinner, it was the initial years of their friendship. To dress up for the event, Shantanu decided to buy a shirt from the same luxury brand that Ratan Tata loves — Brooks Brothers. He further accepted that he had noticed how Ratan Tata wore them, too. However, the shirt cost him half of his final month's salary on the purchase.
Shantanu added that he did not look good in the high-end shirt. In his memoir, Shantanu again mentioned his costly shirt, this time ripped apart. Recalling the moment, Shantanu revealed that during his time in the United States, he would sometimes meet Ratan Tata. And when the industrialist found out about it, he hunted down the same one in a store.
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Naidu further added that after they found the shirt, they argued at the billing counter over who would pay for his new shirt. However, the industrialist shut him down with a simple question: "Can't I give my friend a shirt?"
Ratan Tata and Shantanu Naidu's friendship brewed over their joint love for animals. When Naidu was left devastated, seeing a street dog's death, his father encouraged him to write a letter to the industrialist.
What do you think about Ratan Tata and Shatanu Naidu's beautiful friendship?
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