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Shantanu Naidu spent half his salary on a Brooks Brothers shirt to impress Ratan Tata, who favored the same brand.
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Tata surprised Naidu by buying him the same shirt again after it ripped, showcasing their special bond.
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Naidu continues to honor Tata’s legacy through initiatives like Motopaws and Goodfellows.
Shantanu Naidu, a close aide to Ratan Tata, shared a touching story about their friendship in his memoir. Naidu spent half his salary on a Brooks Brothers shirt, hoping to impress Tata, who was known to wear the same brand. However, it was Tata’s kind gesture that left a lasting impact.
Their unlikely friendship began in 2014 when Naidu wrote to Tata about his innovative reflective collars for stray dogs. Tata, an animal lover, was impressed by Naidu’s dedication and supported his venture, Motopaws. Over the years, their bond grew stronger, with Tata backing Naidu’s social initiatives, including Motopaws and Goodfellows.
Tata’s generosity and warmth were evident when he surprised Naidu with a new Brooks Brothers shirt after the original ripped. “Can’t I give my friend a shirt?” Tata asked, embodying the spirit of their unique friendship. Naidu continues to honor Tata’s legacy through his philanthropic work, keeping their shared vision of compassion and innovation alive.
