Ratan Tata’s bond with Gufi Paintal shows that even the most influential figures keeps genuine connections and friendships from their past.
We know famous Bollywood celebrities who had earlier mingled with India’s elite businessmen are like Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, or Simi Garewal. These stars are frequently seen attending high-profile events hosted by prominent business families. However, one particular Bollywood actor shared a unique and deep friendship with Ratan Tata, the renowned industrialist and former chairman of Tata Group. But, this close friend is not a known face.
Ratan Tata’s Special Bond with Bollywood
Ratan Tata, known for his humility and kindness, had a few close connections in the Bollywood industry. But among them, there was one actor with whom he shared a special camaraderie. This actor wasn’t just a casual acquaintance; they often hung out together, even shared rooms, and enjoyed each other’s company. The actor in question was none other than Gufi Paintal.
Gufi Paintal and Ratan Tata’s Friendship
The lesser-known friendship between Gufi Paintal and Ratan Tata dates back to the 1960s. According to media reports the two met while pursuing engineering in Jamshedpur. They stayed together in the same hostel, with Ratan Tata occupying Room No. 21. At that time, Tata had just returned from his training in the United States and was a few years senior to Gufi Paintal. The late actor fondly recalled his memory and said, “Ratan Tata was a thorough gentleman even back then. Coming from such a respected family, he has now become the chief of Tata Group of Companies, and I feel proud as an Indian and as his friend.”
Ratan Tata’s Went On For Picnics With Him
Their friendship was more than just casual encounters. Gufi Paintal shared stories of how Ratan Tata would often take him on picnics in his stylish silver convertible Plymouth. The two friends would drive around, listening to both English and Hindi songs on the car’s high-fidelity radio. Sometimes, they even used to listen to the popular music program at that time named ,Binaca Geetmala’.
This bond was unique, as Gufi was the only friend invited into Tata’s inner circle for discussions. Despite their different life paths, they cherished each other’s company during those early years.
Ratan Tata & Gufi Paintal Reunion
Gufi Paintal was waiting to cross the busy Linking Road in Bandra when a large car pulled up beside him. To his surprise, it was Ratan Tata, heading home with two bags in the backseat. Tata kindly offered Gufi a ride, but he politely declined, saying, “No, Ratan, thank you so much. I’m just crossing the road; my car is on the other side.”
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