Zoheb Hassan, one half of the legendary 80s pop duo Nazia and Zoheb, paid a heartfelt tribute to Ratan Tata, the esteemed Indian industrialist and former chairman of the Tata Group, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86.
In a moving Facebook post, Zoheb fondly recalled the first time he and his late sister Nazia met Tata, unaware at the time of his immense influence in Indian industry. In the early 80s, Tata reached out to the Hassan siblings with a proposal that would reshape the South Asian music landscape. “Nazia and Zoheb, you have a telephone call from some gentleman by the name of Mr. Ratan,” Zoheb’s mother had informed them. They could never have imagined that this humble man on the other end of the line would help launch their iconic album Young Tarang.
Zoheb reminisced about how Tata, without ever flaunting his status, approached them to record the album for CBS India. His humility left a lasting impression. “He had a gentle smile and was extremely soft-spoken, sincere in every word,” Zoheb wrote, noting how Tata even insisted that their parents and a lawyer review the contract before proceeding. Young Tarang, released at a time when MTV had just debuted in the USA, became a cultural sensation, with its groundbreaking music videos earning praise for their pioneering style in South Asia.
Zoheb recalled a special moment at the album’s launch at Mumbai’s Taj Hotel, where they finally learned from CBS India’s Managing Director about Tata’s true stature in the business world. “Until that moment, we had no idea who Mr. Ratan was,” Zoheb admitted, reflecting on Tata’s modesty despite his power and influence.
One of Zoheb’s most cherished memories was when Tata invited them for dinner at his unassuming two-bedroom flat. Far from the grandeur one might expect from a business titan, Tata’s home was shared only with his sister, a servant, and his Alsatian dog. The simplicity of the evening stood in stark contrast to the vast empire he commanded. “It was a simple dinner with a great man, a memory I will never forget,” Zoheb remarked.
Their paths crossed again years later in London, where Zoheb encountered Tata on Bond Street. True to his nature, Tata downplayed his presence in the UK, mentioning that he was there to “look at some aeroplanes.” Only later did Zoheb realize that Tata was actually there to oversee the purchase of planes for Air India, one of his many successful ventures.
In his tribute, Zoheb wrote, “Mr. Tata was living proof that one can be a legendary businessman and still remain a true gentleman. Dearly missed. RIP.” Through his recollections, Zoheb offered a glimpse into the profound simplicity, humility, and kindness that defined Ratan Tata’s character, leaving an unforgettable impression on those who knew him.
Following Tata’s passing, tributes poured in from across the world, including heartfelt messages from Bollywood’s biggest stars. On Thursday, as a mark of respect for the man who transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse, Mumbai observed a day of mourning. Tata’s coffin, draped in the Indian flag, was carried away to the sound of trumpets, a solemn farewell for a giant who led with grace and dignity.
