Bollywood actor Goofy Paintal, who gained fame for playing Shakuni Mama in the TV series Mahabharat, once shared a heartwarming story about his close friendship with Ratan Tata, one of India’s most admired industrialists. This unique bond began when both of them lived in the same hostel during their engineering days in Jamshedpur. Goofy’s memories offer a glimpse into the humble and generous nature of Ratan Tata, a man who not only built a business empire but also formed lasting personal relationships.
Engineering Days: The Beginning of an Unlikely Bond
In the 1960s, Goofy Paintal and Ratan Tata crossed paths while studying engineering at Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO) in Jamshedpur. Goofy recalled staying at the Dealers Hostel, where Tata, having returned from NASA training in the US, also lived. While Goofy occupied room number 22, Tata stayed in room number 1. This proximity led to a friendship that would last for years.
Goofy Paintal fondly remembered Tata’s modesty, despite being a part of the illustrious Tata family. Ratan Tata treated everyone equally, never flaunting his family’s name. According to Goofy, it was this humility that made their friendship special.
Ratan Tata: The Generous Friend with a Passion for Cars
One of Goofy’s most cherished memories was of the picnics they went on with Ratan Tata, who often took his friends for rides in his prized silver Plymouth convertible. At the time, having a car with a built-in radio was a novelty, and for Goofy, experiencing it for the first time in Tata’s car was a remarkable moment. Listening to Hindi and English songs on the car’s radio, including Binaca Geetmala, became one of the simple pleasures they enjoyed together.
Goofy recalled how Tata often went out of his way to help his friends. Once, when Goofy’s mother visited Jamshedpur, Tata handed him the keys to his Plymouth and asked him to take her for a drive around the city, suggesting he show her popular spots like Dimna Lake and Jubilee Park. This act of kindness left a lasting impression on Goofy, who admired Tata for his thoughtfulness.
Ratan Tata’s Firm Stand on National Values
Beyond personal memories, Goofy also highlighted Ratan Tata’s unwavering commitment to India. He recounted how, after the tragic Mumbai attacks in 2008 that targeted the Taj Mahal Hotel, Tata refused a large car order from Pakistan. Despite being a businessman, Tata’s priority was his nation, and he made it clear that there would be no business dealings with Pakistan following the attack. This decision was a testament to Tata’s deep sense of responsibility towards his country.
A Chance Encounter on Mumbai’s Linking Road
Years after their time in Jamshedpur, Goofy Paintal had another memorable encounter with Ratan Tata. One day, while crossing Mumbai’s busy Linking Road, a large car stopped near him. To his surprise, it was Ratan Tata behind the wheel, with two large dogs sitting in the backseat. Tata, always warm and approachable, rolled down the window and greeted Goofy, asking him if he needed a ride. Goofy declined, as his own car was parked nearby, but the encounter reminded him of Tata’s enduring humility and generosity, even after becoming one of India’s leading industrialists.
The Legacy of Ratan Tata
Ratan Tata’s passing at the age of 86 on 9th October has left a void not just in India’s business world but in the hearts of those who knew him personally. His contributions to the country’s industrial growth, philanthropy, and social initiatives are well-documented, but stories like Goofy Paintal’s remind us of the man behind the success—the humble, kind-hearted individual who treated everyone with respect, regardless of their background.
Tata’s life serves as a reminder that true greatness lies not only in professional achievements but also in the way one treats others. For Goofy Paintal and many others who had the privilege of knowing him, Ratan Tata was not just a successful businessman but a dear friend who always remained grounded.
Goofy Paintal’s Own Journey Comes to an End
Sadly, Goofy Paintal also passed away on 5th June 2023, a few months before Ratan Tata. Paintal, like Tata, left behind a legacy of his own—he was an accomplished actor whose portrayal of Shakuni Mama in Mahabharat remains iconic to this day. Despite their different career paths, both men shared a deep friendship, built on mutual respect and fond memories from their younger days.
Today, the stories of their bond continue to resonate, reminding us of the power of kindness, humility, and the lasting impact of true friendship.
