Big B recalls Ratan Tata borrowing money from him for a phone call

Legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan recalled fond memories with industrialist-philanthropist Ratan Tata when they shared a flight to London. Big B hailed Tata’s simplicity in a special episode on Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, featuring filmmaker Farah Khan and actor Boman Irani as guests. Tata, 86, died on October 10.
Bachchan addressed his special guests for the evening and narrated the story. He said that once, he and Tata took a flight to London together. Tata was looking for his aides but couldn’t find them. And, he, urgently had to make a phone call. “Toh he went into the phone booth to call. Main bhi udhar bahar hi khada tha. Thodi der baad wo aaye (He went to the phone booth to make a call and I was standing nearby. He came to talk to me) and I can’t believe that he said this! ‘Amitabh, can I borrow some money from you? I don’t have money to make a phonecall!’,” said Big B, recalling the incident.
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Bachchan was one of the first actors to condole Tata’s death on X. “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 (sic),” he wrote.
The Sholay actor also shared a photo with Tata on Instagram, and wrote, “An era has just passed away. His humility, his great resolve , his vision and his determination to accomplish the very best for the Nation, ever a pride. It was my greatest honour to have had an opportunity and privilege to work together towards common humanitarian causes. A very sad day my prayers (sic).”
Ratan Naval Tata, chairman emeritus of the Tata Group, left behind a lasting legacy. He was admired not just for his business acumen but for his humility and integrity. His achievements earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, two of India’s highest civilian honours.