How Launch Of Tata Indica Paved The Way For Amrish Puri And Ratan Tata's Lifelong Friendship

Days after Ratan Tata died in Mumbai, Vardhan Puri, the grandson of the Bollywood legend Amrish Puri, has posted a heartfelt tribute to the late industrialist-philanthropist. Vardhan recalled the time his grandfather became friends with Ratan Tata. Alongside a picture of Amrish Puri and Ratan Tata, he shared a story of mutual respect and appreciation among the two icons.

Taking us back to December 1998, Vardhan said that Ratan Tata was preparing to roll out India’s first homegrown car, Tata Indica. Even though Amrish Puri was shooting for his films most of the time, he obliged what Tata requested him to do – to co-launch the car. This marked the start of the friendship between the two.

Vardhan recalls the phone call vividly: “I’m launching India’s first indigenously produced car. Will you be kind enough to launch the Tata Indica with me on the 30th of the month, one day shy of New Year’s Eve?” Ratan Tata had asked Amrish Puri.

Even though the actor was fully occupied handling back-to-back double shifts, Amrish Puri took it gracefully saying, “Anything for a true visionary. I will be there.”

Both men were present on December 30, 1998, to launch the Tata Indica, which marked a revolutionary point in the car manufacturing sector in India. Vardhan adds that the kind gesture of his grandfather touched Ratan Tata and their relationship turned from business into friendship. The two remained good friends until the death of Amrish Puri in 2005.

“The reassuring letter Mr Tata wrote to my father, Rajeev Puri, on my Dadu’s demise got us all emotional,” Vardhan disclosed, adding Tata family maintained relations with Puris even after the actor’s passing.

Calling Ratan Tata a “real-life hero”, Vardhan highlighted the industrialist’s legacy saying that he has immensely contributed to society and useful causes including the welfare of animals. “Rest in peace, Shri Ratan Tata Sahab! The world is eternally indebted to you for your countless contributions to all living beings, especially the voiceless,” Vardhan further noted about Tata’s philanthropy and vision.

Ratan Tata, the distinguished Indian business magnate and former chairman of Tata Sons, died on October 9, 2024, in Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. He was 86 years old. He passed away after being hospitalised for low blood pressure and dehydration, which ultimately triggered multiple organ failure.

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