Zohaib Hassan, renowned Pakistani singer and brother of the late Nazia Hassan, recently shared heartfelt memories of his encounters with the famous Indian industrialist Ratan Tata, following Tata’s passing at the age of 86. Through a touching Facebook post, Zohaib recalled their special association with Ratan Tata, providing a glimpse into the man behind the empire and his lasting influence on the world of music.
The Unexpected Call from Ratan Tata
Zohaib began by recounting a day when their mother informed them of an unexpected phone call from a “Mr. Ratan.” At the time, Nazia and Zohaib were already iconic figures in the music world, known for their groundbreaking album Disco Deewane. However, they had no inkling that the call was from Ratan Tata, one of India’s most powerful businessmen.
Zohaib shared that during the call, Ratan Tata expressed his admiration for Nazia and Zohaib’s music and mentioned his intention to start a music company. He requested that the sibling duo record an album for his new venture. Nazia, seeking her mother’s advice, agreed to meet him on Friday at their Wimbledon home in England. Zohaib humorously noted that at the time, they had no idea who Ratan Tata was and were unaware of his immense stature in the business world.
A Humble First Meeting
On the agreed Friday, Zohaib recalled how a “tall and well-dressed” man arrived at their home. Tata’s warm demeanor, soft-spoken nature, and gentle smile instantly put them at ease. Despite being one of the wealthiest and most influential individuals in the world, Ratan Tata remained humble, never boasting about his achievements or wealth.
Tata introduced his vision for their musical collaboration and explained that if they were willing to work together, they should discuss the terms with their parents and lawyer. What stood out to Zohaib was Ratan’s straightforwardness and humility—qualities not often associated with business tycoons. Zohaib added that they were greatly impressed by Tata’s character and professionalism.
The Birth of Young Tarang
What followed became part of South Asian music history. Zohaib and Nazia collaborated with Ratan Tata to produce Young Tarang, an album that featured the first-ever music videos in India and South Asia. The album’s visual appeal was revolutionary for its time, and it quickly surpassed the immense success of their previous album, Disco Deewane.
Zohaib fondly recalled that Young Tarang became a sensation across India and Pakistan, with Indian television airing the music videos to great acclaim. The collaboration between the Hassan siblings and Tata proved to be groundbreaking, cementing their place in the region’s pop culture history.
A Surprise at the Taj Hotel
Zohaib and Nazia were eventually invited to meet Ratan Tata again, this time at the luxurious Taj Hotel in Mumbai. It was only during this meeting that they fully realized who Ratan Tata was. They had collaborated with one of the most respected industrialists in India, a man who led the Tata Group, a conglomerate that shaped the Indian economy. Despite his immense influence, Ratan Tata remained approachable, down-to-earth, and unpretentious.
An Invitation to Tata’s Modest Home
Zohaib continued his recollections by describing an intimate dinner he and Nazia were invited to at Ratan Tata’s residence following the success of the Young Tarang album. What struck Zohaib most was the simplicity of Tata’s living quarters—a small two-bedroom flat, an unexpected home for a man of his stature.
The dinner, much like the home, was simple and unadorned, yet it left a lasting impression on Zohaib. For Zohaib, the evening symbolized how Ratan Tata, despite his enormous wealth and success, remained grounded and humble. He remarked that it was a rare quality to see such humility in someone so powerful, which further deepened his admiration for the businessman.
Ratan Tata: A Man of Integrity and Humility
Reflecting on his relationship with Ratan Tata, Zohaib Hassan emphasized that Tata exemplified how a great businessman could also be a good human being. His humility, kindness, and respect for others, regardless of their status, left a profound mark on Zohaib and Nazia.
Zohaib mentioned that while many people in positions of power often become detached from the lives of ordinary people, Ratan Tata was an exception. He treated everyone with equal respect and maintained a simplicity in his life that was truly admirable. Zohaib said that Tata’s legacy would live on, not only as a visionary businessman but also as a symbol of humanity.
A Legacy to Remember
Zohaib Hassan concluded his tribute by expressing how much Ratan Tata would be missed, not just by the people of India but by all those who had the privilege of knowing him personally. Zohaib’s reflections offered a unique perspective on Ratan Tata’s life, showing that his greatness extended far beyond his business empire. His genuine kindness and modesty were traits that Zohaib and Nazia would always cherish.
As the world mourns the passing of Ratan Tata, Zohaib’s memories serve as a reminder that true success lies not only in material achievements but also in the values of humility, respect, and compassion. Ratan Tata’s life and legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, both as a business leader and a remarkable human being.
