Ratan Tata's Bold Moves: Why He Fired Russy Modi, Darbari Seth, and Ajit Kelkar—And What Really Happened With Cyrus Mistry?
 

Picture this: It's 1991, and Ratan Tata, the soon-to-be legend, takes over Tata Sons, a massive conglomerate that’s turning over ₹4,900 crores. Sounds smooth, right? Wrong. Ratan quickly realized the company was less a ship and more a fleet of mini-kingdoms, with power centers that weren't exactly steering in the same direction. What did he do? Let’s say some heads had to roll—literally corporate-style.

In a move that shook the business world, Ratan Tata decided it was time for Russy Modi of Tata Steel, Darbari Seth of Tata Chemicals, and Ajit Kelkar of Indian Hotels to pack up and move on. Why? Because these gentlemen weren't quite aligned with Tata's vision for the company. He wasn't about that let’s keep things how they are life—they were, and that meant they had to go. It was bold, it was gutsy, and let’s be real, it made headlines.

Ratan Tata’s reorganization wasn’t just about the bottom line; it was about redefining what Tata Sons was supposed to be—innovative, agile, and way ahead of the competition. And when you’re bringing in change, not everyone’s going to cheer. That’s exactly what happened here. The big three were resistant to change, didn't embrace innovation, and ran things in a way that simply didn't align with Tata's ambitious dreams. So, Ratan did what a visionary had to—he made sure the company was headed in the right direction, even if that meant ruffling a few feathers.

And speaking of feathers ruffled—remember Cyrus Mistry? Tata’s choice of successor that turned into one of the juiciest business dramas ever? Ratan Tata’s leadership had its fair share of controversies, but that’s what happens when you’re focused on growth, right? From Cyrus Mistry’s ousting to ensuring Tata Sons stayed true to its vision, Ratan’s journey was full of boardroom battles and bold moves.

Ratan Tata passed away recently at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, but his legacy is more than just numbers and boardroom power plays. It’s a story of reshaping a giant into a global powerhouse and making tough choices—choices that turned Tata Sons into what it is today.