A Painter's Tribute: Ratan Tata's Legacy in Art and Kindness

Nilesh Mohite, a painter from South Mumbai, shares how industrialist Ratan Tata helped him showcase his artwork at The Taj Mahal Palace hotel. Despite declining a cheque from Tata, Mohite treasures the opportunity given to him. Tata's remains lie at NCPA before proceeding to Worli crematorium.

At the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in South Mumbai, emotions ran high as individuals paid homage to the late industrialist Ratan Tata, whose mortal remains were placed there. Amidst the sorrow, Nilesh Mohite, a resident of Mumbai's slum area, recounted his poignant connection with Tata, a patron and a philanthropist.

In his 30s, Mohite, a painter by profession, recalled meeting Tata shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic. He gifted the industrialist a painting that now resides in Tata's Colaba home. In a humbling interaction, Tata offered Mohite a cheque, which the artist declined, instead expressing a desire for employment.

Though the job did not materialize, Tata's benevolence extended to offering Mohite a chance to display his paintings at the prestigious Taj Mahal Palace hotel for a week. As the city mourns Tata's passing, his body will be moved from NCPA to the Worli crematorium's Prayer Hall later today.

(With inputs from agencies.)