Who's who queue up to bid farewell to Ratan Tata

Industrialists, politicians, film stars, Tata group employees, friends, family members and admirers -- running into thousands -- queued up at the National Centre of Performing Arts (NCPA) at Nariman Point since Thursday morning to pay their last respects to Ratan Tata, 86.

- AMRITHA PILLAY & PRACHI PISAL

The patriarch and chairman emeritus of the salt-to-software conglomerate passed away late Wednesday night at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital, where he was admitted in the wee hours of Monday.

The crowd had started building up outside the hospital on Wednesday evening itself when news got out that Tata, who's a household name, was critical in the intensive care unit. Soon after the Tata group made the announcement late night, rich tributes flowed in from across the country and around the world. Leaders and business honchos spoke about Tata's acumen for his global vision, his generosity, his contributions beyond the boardroom and his love for dogs. In television studios and newsrooms, there were questions around succession and the next chapter in the Tata empire. The biggest question was whether Noel Tata, chairman of Trent and half brother of Ratan Tata, will be chosen as the head of Tata Trusts, which owns 66 per cent in Tata Sons. But this was a day to mourn the passing away of the titan who had presided over India's largest corporate group for over two decades, and also to celebrate the legacy that he leaves behind.