Did You Know Ratan Tata and 'Mahabharat' actor Gufi Paintal shared a close friendship while living in the same hostel?

Ratan Tata, the iconic Indian industrialist and former chairman of Tata Sons, passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86. His death has left the nation in mourning, with tributes pouring in from various sectors. Interestingly, did you know that 'Mahabharat' actor Gufi Paintal shared a close bond with Tata?
Gufi Paintal, known for his role as Shakuni in 'Mahabharat', shared a heartfelt memory of his friendship with Ratan Tata. In a YouTube video, he revealed that they lived in the same hostel while Gufi was studying engineering in Jamshedpur. Gufi's room number was 22, while Ratan's was 21, after returning from training in the USA. He fondly recalled Ratan's kindness, including lending him his car to take his mother around Jamshedpur.
Paintal described Ratan Tata as "a very thorough gentleman," expressing pride in seeing him lead the Tata Group. He shared that they had a close friendship, noting he was the only student Ratan invited to his room for discussions. Gufi fondly recalled Ratan's beautiful silver convertible Plymouth, which had a high-fidelity radio an impressive feature at the time.
Gufi recalled a touching incident when Tata handed him the keys to his car after learning that Gufi's mother was visiting Jamshedpur. He shared, "Ratan came over, quietly handed me the keys to his Plymouth, and said, 'Take your mother out for a drive.'" Gufi also mentioned their chance encounter years later, emphasizing the lasting impression Ratan made on him.
“I remember a day when I was about to cross Linking Road in Bandra. A big car showed up, and I noticed two large dogs in the back. It was Ratan Tata returning home. He stopped and asked can I drop you, but said, 'No, Ratan, thank you so much. I'm crossing the road; my car is on the other side'," Paintal elaborated.
Ratan Tata passed away at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital after a prolonged battle with health issues. His body was honored with the Indian national flag and placed at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), where thousands from all walks of life came to pay their last respects.