Veteran industrialist Ratan Tata, known for his visionary leadership and philanthropy, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86. He was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Monday after a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to his critical condition in the ICU. Tata’s contributions, particularly in transforming the Tata Group into a global conglomerate and his charitable work, have cemented his place as one of India’s most respected figures.
While Tata’s legacy is often tied to his business and philanthropic pursuits, there is a lesser-known chapter of his life involving the film industry. In 2004, Ratan Tata ventured into Bollywood by co-producing the movie Aetbaar, a romantic psychological thriller directed by Vikram Bhatt. The film featured prominent Bollywood stars, including Amitabh Bachchan, John Abraham, and Bipasha Basu.
Aetbaar was co-produced by Tata and Jatin Kumar and was inspired by the 1996 Hollywood movie Fear. The film delved into themes of obsession and family relationships, presenting a suspenseful narrative.
Despite its high-profile cast and gripping storyline, Aetbaar struggled at the box office. It grossed only Rs 7.96 crore, falling short of its Rs 9.50 crore production budget. This film remains Ratan Tata’s only attempt at film production, as he never returned to the industry after this venture.
Though brief, Tata’s involvement in Bollywood stands out as an uncommon aspect of his otherwise business-centric life. His influence spanned across various domains, but his short-lived stint in the film industry remains a unique and often overlooked part of his legacy.
