Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan recently shared heartfelt memories of the late industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata, who passed away on October 9. During an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 16, featuring filmmaker Farah Khan and actor Boman Irani as guests, Mr. Bachchan reflected warmly on Mr. Tata’s modesty and character, saying, “He was such a simple human being,” adding, “Kya aadmi the main bata nahi sakta (What a man he was).”

Mr. Bachchan recounted a memorable experience from a flight they shared to London. After landing at Heathrow Airport, Mr. Tata realized he was without his assistants. “He went into a phone booth to make a call,” Mr. Bachchan recalled, smiling. “I was standing nearby, and after a while, he approached me and said, ‘Amitabh, can I borrow some money from you? I don’t have money to make a phone call.’”

Mr. Bachchan shared another story about Mr. Tata's humility, recounting how a friend of his was once surprised when Mr. Tata requested a ride home. “He asked, ‘Can you drop me home? I live just behind your house,’” Mr. Bachchan recalled, marveling at the simplicity of the request. “For Ratan Tata to say, ‘I don’t have a car’ – it’s unimaginable.”

There was also a professional connection between Mr. Bachchan and Mr. Tata. Mr. Tata’s company, Tata Infomedia Ltd, had financed Aetbaar, a film starring Mr. Bachchan. Although the movie underperformed, reportedly resulting in a loss of ₹3.5 crore for Tata’s company, the association remained a cherished one.

Mr. Bachchan was one of the first to publicly pay his respects after hearing of Mr. Tata’s passing. Posting on X, he wrote, “Just came to learn of the passing of Shri Ratan Tata .. an era has ended—a most respected, humble yet visionary leader of immense foresight and resolve. My prayers.”

Mr. Tata’s funeral in Mumbai on October 11 drew attendance from prominent figures, including Sachin Tendulkar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Amit Shah, and Mukesh Ambani, among others.