Ratan Tata, the iconic industrialist and philanthropist who passed away on October 9 at the age of 86, remained unmarried throughout his life. Despite his vast achievements in business and philanthropy, he often reflected on the personal side of his life, particularly the emotional complexities of not having a wife or family. In an interview with Simi Garewal on Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, Tata candidly discussed the moments of loneliness he experienced due to his single life.
“There are many times that I feel lonely about not having a wife or a family, and sometimes I long for it,” Tata admitted. He spoke of the balance between enjoying the freedom his single life offered and the occasional isolation it brought. “Sometimes I enjoy the freedom of not having to worry about the feelings of someone else or the concerns of someone else. On other times, it does get a little lonely,” Tata shared, offering a rare glimpse into his personal reflections.
When asked by Simi Garewal about what stopped him from getting married, Tata attributed it to a mix of factors, including timing and his focus on work. “A whole series of things (stopped me from marrying) – timing, my absorption in work at the time. I came close to getting married sometimes, but it didn’t work out,” he explained. His dedication to his professional responsibilities often took precedence, shaping the course of his personal life.
Interestingly, Simi Garewal herself shared a close bond with Ratan Tata, having dated him during their early years in Mumbai. She fondly recalled their connection, highlighting his humility and integrity despite his tremendous success. “Ratan Tata was my first friend in Mumbai. We had both just returned from abroad into terra incognita; both at the threshold of an uncharted world,” she shared on her YouTube channel.
In a touching tribute, she added, “For a man who stays clear from the flashbulb glare of fame, it was generous of Ratan to be my first guest on Rendezvous. My crew was floored by his lack of pretense. I remember he shook hands with each of them before leaving – in his Maruti!”
Om Shanti!
