When Ratan Tata revealed he almost got married four times: 'I backed off...'

Ratan Tata had returned to India in 1962 to care for his ailing grandmother, a moment that marked a significant shift in his life both personally and professionally.

While much has been written about Ratan Tata’s monumental contributions to business and industry, the private aspects of his life have largely remained out of the public eye. In a series of rare interviews, the Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons offered a glimpse into his personal life, particularly his reflections on love and marriage, revealing that he came close to marrying four times but ultimately decided against it.

In a 2011 interview with CNN, Tata disclosed that fear and various circumstances led him to reconsider his decision to marry on multiple occasions. "I came seriously close to getting married four times and each time I backed off in fear or for one reason or another. Each occasion was different, but in hindsight when I look at the people involved, it wasn’t a bad thing what I did," he explained. Reflecting on his past relationships, he noted that had he gone through with marriage, it may have introduced complexities into his life.

Tata also shared a specific instance when he was living in the United States and had fallen deeply in love. He explained that the relationship ended due to the geopolitical situation at the time. "I was probably the most serious when I was working in the US, and the only reason we didn’t get married was that I came back to India and she was to follow me. That was the year of the Indo-Chinese conflict," he said, referencing the 1962 border war. He explained that the war was perceived as a significant conflict in the United States, leading to his partner deciding not to move to India. She later married in the US.

Tata had returned to India in 1962 to care for his ailing grandmother, a moment that marked a significant shift in his life both personally and professionally. His decision to remain a bachelor has intrigued many, but Tata has candidly shared his thoughts on the matter in several interviews.

In an appearance on "Rendezvous with Simi Garewal", Tata spoke openly about his feelings regarding the absence of a spouse and children in his life. When asked by the host, “Without a wife, without children, without family – what motivates you?” Tata paused to reflect, saying, "There are many times I feel lonely at not having a wife or family and sometimes, I long for it. But sometimes, I enjoy the freedom of not having to worry about the feelings of someone else or the concerns of someone else."

Ratan Tata's last rites will be held in Mumbai and will be performed with full state honours, as announced by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.