The Legacy Lives On: In recent years, Ratan Tata‘s public image has shifted significantly. Once viewed as a suave, globe-trotting industrialist, adept in boardroom battles and global takeovers, Tata is now often seen as an endearing older figure. This transformation became especially visible when Tata joined Instagram on October 30, 2019, with a modest post confessing his excitement about entering the platform, though unsure if he’d “break the internet.” Just three days later, his second post featured him with his beloved late dog, Tito.
Tata’s approachable, personal content was a perfect fit for social media, quickly earning him millions of followers, especially among younger generations. His posts felt as if he were speaking directly to his audience, and the presence of his dogs played a key role in this connection, as pets are a common way to resonate emotionally online. However, it raised the question of why Tata, unlike many corporate leaders of his generation, even chose to join Instagram.
His posts, while occasionally touching on Tata Group’s values, mostly showcased glimpses of his life, especially his love for dogs. Instagram’s platform, which allows for communication without deep engagement, seemed to suit Tata, who has long appeared somewhat removed from the intense action surrounding him. This separation, not quite the same as being a loner, seemed to resonate with the empathy-seeking nature of the internet.
Tata’s bond with his dogs reflected a deep emotional connection. Unlike friendships in the corporate world, which could be fraught with power dynamics, dogs offered genuine companionship. Tata was known for playing with stray dogs at Bombay House, and when the building was renovated, accommodations were made for the dogs, showing how much they meant to him.
Tata’s sense of isolation may have been with him throughout his career, intensified when he took over as chairman of the Tata Group. The public drama surrounding his succession in 1991, compounded by the legacy of his predecessor, JRD Tata, didn’t make the transition any easier. JRD, a towering figure, had allowed group heads to accumulate considerable control, which Ratan had to contend with, starting with a high-profile conflict at TISCO. Despite the challenges, Ratan began restructuring the group, though his leadership initially attracted criticism from aggressive reporters and celebrity gossip. Tata dealt with such scrutiny with grace, but the era was still marked by challenges both personal and professional.