Noel Tata―a new era begins

At 68, Noel Tata, with a net worth of $1.5 billion, embodies the quintessential old school south Mumbai gentleman who chooses to remain below the radar. The chairman of the Tata Trusts is rarely spotted at the city's myriad high-profile, glitzy events, unless he has a specific role to play. As he did when I ran into him at a recent award ceremony. There we were looking for a hot cuppa at the counter, while other billionaires discreetly chatted away in the cordoned-off space reserved for VVIP invitees enjoying an elaborate high tea.

- SHOBHAA DE

Noel was accompanied by his handsome son Neville. We chatted briefly about attending Neville's wedding lunch in Bengaluru in 2019. Both men were courteous and refreshingly “normal” as we waited for our chai. Neville's wife, the lovely Manasi Kirloskar, is the daughter of our friends—the late Vikram Kirloskar and his wife, Geetanjali. The entire family fiercely safeguards its privacy despite heading some of the most established, high-profile consumer brands in the market.

Ratan was honoured at the ceremony. While accepting the award, Noel said, “Ratan changed Tata forever... What stands out is his humility, dignity and grace... And his profound sense of responsibility to the Tata Group and its heritage.”