Ratan Tata's Only Bollywood Venture: Aetbaar and Its Box Office Failure
Ratan Tata, the iconic industrialist known for his leadership of the Tata Group, briefly ventured into Bollywood in 2004 as a co-producer of the film Aetbaar. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, John Abraham, and Bipasha Basu, the romantic thriller was an adaptation of the Hollywood movie Fear. Unfortunately, despite the star power and anticipation, the film did not resonate with audiences and ended up being a commercial failure.
### Aetbaar: The Details
Produced under the banner of Tata BSS, Aetbaar explored themes of obsession and familial relationships. It had a budget of ₹9.5 crore but grossed less than ₹5 crore in its opening week, culminating in a total worldwide collection of just ₹8 crore. Critics panned the film for its clichéd dialogue and predictable plot, contributing to its dismal performance at the box office.
### The Fallout
The failure of Aetbaar marked Ratan Tata's only foray into film production, distinguishing it from his otherwise successful ventures across various industries, including steel, aviation, and food. Despite the disappointment, Tata's impact on Indian business and culture remains profound.
Ratan Tata passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy that extends beyond cinema, making significant contributions to Indian industry and philanthropy. His brief encounter with Bollywood, while not successful, remains a notable footnote in his multifaceted career.