A Film That Didn’t Work for Tata

Ratan Tata, a man often described as having the Midas touch, is known for his incredible successes. However, like all high achievers, he had a few ventures that did not go as planned. One such project was the 2004 film *Aetbaar* (Trust), where Tata Group served as a co-producer. Despite a star-studded cast including Amitabh Bachchan, John Abraham, and Bipasha Basu, the film failed at the box office and did not recover its investment. This psychological thriller, inspired by the 1996 Hollywood film *Fear*, revolved around a father (Amitabh Bachchan) trying to protect his daughter from a dangerous lover. Unfortunately, it didn't resonate with audiences, marking the Tata Group's first and last foray into film production.

Another connection Ratan Tata had with Bollywood was through actress Simi Garewal, once a controversial figure for her bold performances. Known for roles in films like *Mera Naam Joker*, *Karna*, and *Do Badan*, Simi created waves with her daring appearances. With Ratan Tata's passing, rumors about their past relationship resurfaced, leading fans to search for information about her. Simi’s elegance and charm, especially in classic Bollywood songs like "Waada Kar Le Saajna" and "Chalte Chalte Mere Ye Geet Yaad Rakhna," remain evergreen.

Ratan Tata, despite his brief association with Bollywood, often expressed his distaste for excessive violence in films. In an interview, he humorously commented that Bollywood uses more ketchup (resembling blood) than Mumbai restaurants. Tata was also a fan of Hollywood action-comedy films, with *The Other Guys* and *The Lone Ranger* among his favorites, as noted by his close associate, Shantanu Naidu.