BEST FRIEND: Ratan's dog shares a privacy with him unknown to many peopleHe isn't your happening corporate pasha. Far from it. In an age where CEOs and corporate honchos strut the social circuit every sundown in designer togs and flashy cars to declare their arrival, Ratan Tata is an anachronism.Ratan rarely, if ever, parties. Indeed, his appearance at any party is an event. His persona is much like his sartorial taste - muted, understated. At work, he is most likely to be seen in pastel shades of grey or blue. His well-tailored suits and jackets are a shade darker with designer ties providing just a hint of relief. If there's a shade of extravagance, it is his passion for the three-point Benz he drives himself. Besides, of course, his newly acquired Falcon that he flew only after spending time on simulators in France. But for all his wealth, Ratan is extremely down to earth, as wont to driving his blue Indica as hiring the nearest yellow-top in case of a breakdown. Once when he was actually stranded and caught a taxi, the Tata chairman found himself penniless. The cabbie smiled and waved him off. After all, how often do you get to give a Tata a lift? A dog lover, Ratan can often be spotted walking his German Shepherd, Tango, at the US Club or at Colaba woods. Intensely private - unknown even to the people who claim to know him - Ratan grew up in Mumbai studying at the Campion School before leaving for the US to graduate with a BSc degree in architecture from Cornell University in 1962. If it hadn't been for his grandmother Lady Navajbai, Ratan would probably have stayed on in the US. Joining the Tatas in 1962, he worked in various companies before taking charge of Nelco. Even today, his closest friends are those living abroad, like music maestro Zubin Mehta and sound genius Amar Bose. Not surprisingly, music is a passion. His apartment in Colaba and his retreat at Alibaug - both have no security paraphernalia - are equipped with Bose speakers. Typically, very few know what he really likes to listen to. Just like the Taj chefs, who for years have been trying to figure out what his favourite cuisine is. All they know is that he doesn't like spicy food. He makes up for it with a keen sense of humour. Soon after taking over, Ratan, who often sketches in his free time, sat behind senior directors S.A. Sabavala, Noshir Sonawala and Homi Sethna at a presentation. While walking out he handed them an autographed sketch of three balding men, sending them into what can only be termed a Parsi uproar. Ratan is also a great mimic, but expectedly, it's a private passion known to very few. Expectedly, vintage Ratan.Published By: AtMigration Published On: Feb 24, 2003--- ENDS ---
