Kumar Mangalam Birla Remembers Ratan Tata and Tata-Birla Legacy on KBC 17

The latest episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 featured a special appearance by Indian billionaire and Aditya Birla Group Chairperson, Kumar Mangalam Birla, who took the hot seat along with his family. The episode turned emotional and inspiring as Mr. Birla reflected on defining moments from his life and spoke candidly about the strong legacy of relationships between two of India’s most respected business families.

Recalling the difficult phase following the loss of his father, Aditya Kumar Birla, Kumar Mangalam Birla also spoke warmly about his close bond with his grandfather, Basant Kumar Birla (B.K. Birla). He highlighted the long-standing friendship between the Birla and Tata families, emphasizing the deep trust that once existed between them.

He shared that JRD Tata and his grandfather were close friends, and there was even a time when the Birla family held a larger shareholding in some Tata companies than the Tatas themselves—an example, he said, of the extraordinary faith and mutual respect between the two families.

Mr. Birla further revealed that Ratan Tata and his father shared a strong friendship as well. He recalled how Ratan Tata stood by his family during his father’s final rites and told him words he would never forget: “Always remember, you have a friend in me.” Calling Ratan Tata a great humanitarian, he said that India lost a true national treasure with his passing last year.

Host Amitabh Bachchan praised both industrial families, noting how the phrase “Tata-Birla” has become synonymous with India itself. He added that these two names are often mentioned together whenever the country’s progress is discussed.

Big B also paid tribute to Ratan Tata’s simplicity and humility, saying he lived a remarkably modest life and never made anyone feel his stature. Amitabh Bachchan recalled working closely with him on several government-backed initiatives, including polio eradication, hepatitis awareness, and the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Sharing a light-hearted moment, Amitabh Bachchan narrated a humorous incident where Ratan Tata would always insist that Big B go ahead of him during public appearances. To break the awkwardness, he would jokingly say, “Ratan ji, age before beauty,” which often left everyone laughing.

Kumar Mangalam Birla also recalled an instance when he noticed Ratan Tata feeling uneasy before speaking at an event. When asked, Ratan Tata admitted that public speaking always made him nervous, despite having delivered countless speeches over the years. Mr. Birla affectionately described him as a “simple man” with extraordinary values.

The episode stood out as a heartfelt tribute to friendship, humility, and the timeless legacy of two families that have shaped modern India