My Fan Moment....

Meeting an icon like Ratan Tata is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s one of those stories you want to shout from the rooftops—or, in my case, write an article about, so let me share my fan moment when I met the man himself at the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. 12th July 2007.

The Setting: A Serendipitous Encounter

It was an ordinary evening at the Taj Mahal Palace for, where I found myself enjoying a quiet cup of tea in the lounge chair next to the swimming pool after a hectic day of interviews. I was waiting for my senior colleagues. The Taj Mahal Palace, with its old-world charm and elegance, always feels like a place where you could bump into someone important—though, in my wildest dreams, I didn’t expect to come face-to-face with Ratan Tata. That moment when you think, “Is this really happening?” Yes, that was me—wide-eyed and probably wearing the expression of a kid spotting their favorite superhero.

The Realization: “It’s Him!”

As I sat there, I noticed a figure, unmistakable in his simplicity yet commanding in his presence, walking gracefully through the lobby. It was Ratan Tata. THE Ratan Tata. My heartbeat quickened, and suddenly, the air felt charged. Was this fate? Destiny? A cosmic alignment of all things good in the world? I felt like I had been given the rarest of opportunities—a chance to meet a living legend whose contributions to business, philanthropy, and society were unparalleled.

The Approach: The Longest Walk of My Life

Deciding to go up to him was no easy feat. My hands started sweating, and my mind raced with questions: Should I say hello? Would it be too intrusive? What if I came off as just another starstruck fan (which I was)? But then, I remembered a saying, “Fortune favors the brave.” So, with every ounce of courage I could muster, I took a deep breath and walked over, each step feeling like an eternity.

When I finally stood in front of him, I managed to blurt out a barely audible “Hello, Mr. Tata.” My inner monologue was something along the lines of, “Stay cool, stay cool.” But who was I kidding? I was anything but cool!

The Exchange: Wisdom in Simplicity

He looked at me and smiled, and let me tell you, that smile had the warmth of a thousand suns. It was like meeting a mentor you never knew you needed. Ratan Tata, a man who could probably solve global economic crises before breakfast, extended his hand and greeted me with genuine kindness. The moment felt surreal, and my nerves melted away as I realized he was just as gracious and humble as I had imagined.

We exchanged a few words—mostly me rambling about how much I admired his work and him nodding with a humble “Thank you.” He asked my name and what I did, and in those few minutes, I felt like I was speaking to someone who truly cared. I must have mumbled that i was there with my colleagues to interview people for the agency. He stood there, speaking to me , cracked a joke on my name that Danish was a girl's name amongst Parsis. There was no rush, no impatience, just a calm presence that made me feel at ease. I knew then why he was adored by so many. He then said to me if there is anything he could do to make our stay more comfortable. I mumbled Thank you and walked away on clouds.

The Takeaway: More Than a Moment

Meeting Ratan Tata wasn’t just a “fan moment.” It was a reminder of the power of humility and kindness, especially when you’re at the top. I walked away from the encounter feeling a renewed sense of motivation, knowing that greatness isn’t just about success; it’s about lifting others, staying grounded, and making time for those around you, no matter how busy life gets.

As I accompanied my colleagues to the Zodiac Grill, i saw the man again. This time he was coming towards us. I mentioned hurriedly to my colleagues that he Is Ratan Tata who is what he is. He saw me, smiled and said Hello Danish. I nearly died. I introduced my colleagues to him. He invited them for drinks and my boss said, why don't you join us for dinner. He did not accept our invitation but invited us with his invitation. The Zodiac Grill at Taj Mahal Palace that evening was the center of universe for me, I felt like I was in a different world. Must have been staring at him while he spoke about automobiles and how they would change the world ( a few months he launched Nano) . I cannot ever forget the evening. My friends still wonder how he knew me as he addressed me by name.

Every time i narrate this incident, my friends ask if I got a picture with him. I smile and say no. Some moments, I realize, are too special to be reduced to a photograph. This one is meant to stay in my heart—where it belonged (s), cherished forever.

Rest in Peace Mr. Ratan Tata. The Titan passes away.