When Ratan Tata dabbled in the world of Bollywood having a connection with Amitabh Bachchan

Ratan Tata, one of India's most respected industrialists and the former chairman of the Tata Group, passed away at the age of 86 on Wednesday night. He breathed his last at Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai, where he had been in intensive care since Monday. Tata's demise marks the end of an era in Indian business, as he was a visionary leader who led the Tata conglomerate for over two decades. Under his stewardship, the Tata Group became a global name, expanding into various industries from steel and automobiles to IT and consumer goods.

While Ratan Tata’s legacy is largely rooted in business and philanthropy, he also briefly dabbled in the world of cinema. In 2004, Tata made a rare foray into Bollywood as a co-producer. He joined hands with filmmaker Vikram Bhatt to finance the romantic thriller Aetbaar, starring megastar Amitabh Bachchan, alongside John Abraham and Bipasha Basu. Produced under the banner of Tata BSS, Aetbaar was an adaptation of the 1996 Hollywood movie Fear, exploring themes of obsession, control, and family relationships.

Despite a star-studded cast and considerable anticipation, Aetbaar did not live up to expectations at the box office. Made on a budget of Rs 9.5 crore, the film struggled during its release week, earning less than Rs 5 crore. Its lifetime collection barely touched Rs 8 crore worldwide, leading to financial losses for the production team, including Tata. Critics were also unimpressed, calling the film's dialogues clichéd and its themes overused. Despite the chemistry between Abraham and Basu, who had previously made waves in the film Jism, Aetbaar failed to resonate with the audience.

This brief stint in filmmaking was a rare detour for Tata, who is more commonly associated with major industries like aviation, steel, and automobiles. Though Aetbaar was his only venture into Bollywood, Tata’s contributions to Indian society and his role in shaping India's global business landscape remain unmatched.

Ratan Tata’s passing is a significant loss to the country, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations in both business and beyond.