October 9, 2025, marks the first death anniversary of Ratan Tata, a revered figure in Indian business and philanthropy. The veteran industrialist, who passed away in Mumbai at the age of 86, is remembered for his humanity, humility, and visionary leadership that transformed the Tata Group into a global conglomerate. Tributes have poured in from across the nation, with social media flooded with messages honoring his legacy and impact.
Beyond his towering achievements in the corporate world, Ratan Tata's interests extended to the realm of cinema. While he admitted to not being a fervent follower of Bollywood, he surprised many by venturing into film production in 2004.
Tata co-produced the Hindi film "Aetbaar," a romantic thriller directed by Vikram Bhatt, featuring a star-studded cast including Amitabh Bachchan, John Abraham, and Bipasha Basu. The film revolves around Dr. Ranveer Malhotra (Amitabh Bachchan), a protective father, his daughter Ria (Bipasha Basu), and her obsessive lover, Aryan Trivade (John Abraham).
Despite the promising cast and initial buzz, "Aetbaar" failed to make a significant impact at the box office. Made on a budget of ₹9.50 crore, the film only earned ₹7.96 crore. While the film may not have been a commercial success, it remains a unique chapter in the life of Ratan Tata, showcasing his willingness to explore diverse avenues.
In an interview with Simi Garewal, Tata had openly critiqued Bollywood movies, calling them "violent" and humorously noting, "I think there is more catchup spread in Hindi movies than there is in all restaurants of Bombay”. However, he also acknowledged that watching Bollywood movies on television had improved his Hindi.
Ratan Tata's foray into Bollywood was brief, with "Aetbaar" remaining his sole venture into film production. This contrasts sharply with his monumental success in other industries, where he led the Tata Group to unprecedented heights. Nevertheless, his willingness to step outside his comfort zone and experiment with different creative mediums reflects his multifaceted personality and passion for innovation.
Even with his limited involvement in Bollywood, the Indian film industry mourned his death, recognizing his profound impact on the nation. Beyond his business acumen, Ratan Tata was known for his refined tastes, simple lifestyle, and deep appreciation for music. He found solace in walking his dogs and, on occasion, watching television.
On his first death anniversary, Ratan Tata is remembered not only as an iconic industrialist but also as a philanthropist, a visionary, and a man who dared to venture into uncharted territories, even if it was just for a brief moment in the world of cinema. His legacy continues to inspire generations, with many calling for him to be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor.
