Not Amitabh Bachchan or Simi Garewal but this actor was close friend with Ratan Tata, lived in the same hostel, and enjoyed picnics | Hindi Movie News – Times of India

Ratan Tata, the emeritus chairman of Tata Sons, passed away on October 9. Ratan Tata had a close relationship with Gufi Paintal, who gained fame for portraying the character of Shakuni in the beloved television series ‘Mahabharat’. In a video posted on his YouTube account, Gufi Panital talked extensively about their bond.
In the video, Gufi discussed his time studying engineering in Jamshedpur in the late 1960s, living in the same hostel as Ratan Tata.He shared, “At that time, Ratan Tata had just returned from his training in the United States and was a few years older than me. He used to stay in Room No. 21 and was a very thorough gentleman. Coming from such a respected family, he is now the chief of Tata Group of Companies, and I feel proud as an Indian and a friend.”
Gufi also recalled the small moments that made their bond special. He stated, “He used to take us on picnics in his car, and we shared a close friendship. I was the only student he invited to his room for discussions. In the early 1960s, he had a beautiful silver convertible Plymouth, and it was remarkable to see a high-fidelity radio in a car back then. We would listen to English and Hindi songs, and sometimes there would be Binaka Geetmala.”
The late actor, who passed away in 2023, also talked about his accidental meeting with the deceased industrialist in Mumbai. “I remember a day when I was waiting to cross Linking Road in Bandra. A big car pulled 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 I said, “No, Ratan, thank you so much. I’m crossing the road; my car is on the other side. It was a brief encounter, but it left a lasting impression on me”, Paintal added.
Ratan Tata passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 86 at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. He was one of the most well-liked and respected industrialists in India. He helped the Tata Group reach new heights and changed the country through his contributions across different areas including philanthropy.