Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Ratan Tata’s will has reportedly ensured financial freedom for Shantanu Naidu, forgiving a personal loan Naidu took for his education. This gesture highlights their deep bond, as Tata relinquished his stake in Naidu’s companionship startup, Goodfellows, fully supporting Naidu’s vision.
Tata and Naidu’s bond began in 2014 when Naidu sought funding for Motopaws, a project for stray dog safety. Tata invited him to Mumbai, marking the start of an enduring friendship founded on shared compassion for animals.
On Tata’s final journey, Naidu led the hearse on his Yezdi bike, a touching tribute to the man he called his “lighthouse.” Emotionally charged, the ride was a farewell filled with respect and loyalty for his mentor.
After Tata’s passing, Naidu shared a heartfelt tribute, saying, “The hole that this friendship has left with me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to fill.” The words capture the profound loss and the legacy Tata left behind.
Naidu and Tata shared a mutual love for dogs, a key part of their connection. It was Tata’s support for Motopaws, a venture creating glow-in-the-dark collars for strays, that cemented their relationship and brought Naidu to Tata’s inner circle.
Tata once skipped a royal award ceremony in London for an ailing dog, impressing then-Prince Charles. “That’s a man. That’s why the House of Tata is so great,” Charles remarked, awed by Tata’s commitment to loved ones over personal honors.
Before leaving for Cornell, Naidu bought a Brooks Brothers shirt, emulating Tata’s style. When Tata later found out Naidu had accidentally torn it, he bought him a replacement, saying simply, “Can’t I give my friend a shirt?” The gesture embodied Tata’s warmth.
Tata’s backing of Goodfellows, a companionship startup for seniors founded by Naidu, reflected his trust in Naidu’s social mission. It became one of Tata’s final philanthropic endeavors, expanding his legacy of compassion through Naidu’s ideas.
As Tata’s aide, Naidu managed Tata’s projects and advanced his philanthropic goals. Supported by Tata’s resources, Naidu continues to build platforms like Motopaws and Goodfellows, honoring the legacy of the man who believed in him deeply.