When Ratan Tata asked Amitabh Bachchan for money to make a phone call

Industrialist-philanthropist Ratan Tata is fondly remembered by both people who knew him and who didn't. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who was a close friend of Tata, recently shared an interesting incident that shows how humble the late tycoon was.

During an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 16 featuring filmmaker Farah Khan and actor Boman Irani, Bachchan recalled how one time Tata asked a friend of his to drop him home since they lived nearby.

Talking about the time Tata didn't have a car, the actor told Irani and Farah, "Bohut se aese kisse hai sir. Humare aur mitra the woh ek saath kahi event mein gaye the. Jab event khatam hogaya, toh jaane lage (There are several stories about him. He went to an event with one of my friends. When the event was over, he got up to leave)."

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"Toh unhone us mitra ko kaha (He told my friend), 'Can you drop me home? I just live behind your house'." Farah and Boman could not believe it and let out shocking gasps, "Oh my god," said Boman.

Amitabh then continued, "Sir, Ratan Tata saying, 'I don't have a car'. Can you imagine that? It's unbelievable."

Calling him a simple man, Bachchan told the audience how one time Tata asked him for money to make a phone call from a phone booth.

Ratan Tata asked Amitabh Bachchan for money

He said that one time they were both together on a flight to London. After getting down at Heathrow Airport, he couldn't find the people who were supposed to escort him. So he went into a phone booth and called them.

Also Read:Fact check: Did Ratan Tata's pet dog 'Goa' die three days after his death?

Bachchan said he was standing outside all this while and later Tata came out of the booth and said to him, "Amitabh, can I borrow some money from you? I don't have money to make a phone call!"

Ratan Tata passed away on Oct 9 this year at the age of 86 in Mumbai. Bachchan was among several others who paid tribute to the legend.

Bachchan shared a picture with Ratan Tata on his X handle, and wrote, ''T 5159(i) – .. 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 .”

Big B and Ratan Tata shared a special bond, with the late tycoon entering the business of films in 2004 and co-producing Aetbaar which starred Bachchan. This was the only film Ratan Tata ever produced.