Legendary industrialist Ratan Tata passed away on October 9 at the age of 86, leaving behind a grieving nation. Among those hit hardest by the loss was Shantanu Naidu, one of Tata’s closest confidants and a trusted member of his inner circle. Hours after Tata’s death, Naidu shared an emotional tribute, expressing the profound emptiness left by his mentor’s absence, vowing to spend the rest of his life trying to fill the void.
Naidu’s role in Tata’s final journey was emblematic of their deep bond. He was seen leading Tata’s hearse to the funeral venue on a motorcycle, visibly emotional but refraining from speaking to the media. Their relationship, which started over a shared love for animals, blossomed into one of deep trust and camaraderie.
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From Employee to Close Friend: The Brooks Brothers Shirt Story
In his 2021 memoir, I Came Upon a Lighthouse: A Short Memoir of Life with Ratan Tata, Shantanu Naidu detailed how their friendship began, starting with a letter he sent to Tata. The book also highlights several personal anecdotes, one of which humorously revolves around a Brooks Brothers shirt.
Before heading to Cornell University for higher education, Shantanu Naidu requested a farewell meeting with Tata. Eager to impress, he purchased a shirt from the luxury brand Brooks Brothers, one he had noticed Tata wearing during their previous meetings. Naidu admitted that identifying the brand involved “a lot of squint-eyed staring at the logo.” Despite spending half of his month’s salary on the shirt, he confessed that it did not suit him, as he was feeling unwell at the time.
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The shirt reappeared in Naidu’s story later when Tata discovered that Naidu had accidentally torn it. Displaying his characteristic generosity, Tata insisted on buying him a new one. When Shantanu Naidu tried to argue at the billing counter, Tata simply asked, “Can’t I give my friend a shirt?” encapsulating the warmth and humility that defined their relationship.
