With over 13 million followers on X and nearly 10 million on Instagram, Ratan Tata was an unlikely social media sensation who could rival any mega-influencer. With a bio that cheekily proclaimed, “I made it to the ‘Gram!” in Oct 2019 Tata shared a photo of himself in a sharp suit, sporting a gleeful smile that read: “I don’t know about breaking the internet, but I’m thrilled to join you all!” when he debuted on Instagram, eight years after a more low key Twitter presence.After a long hiatus from public life, he said he was looking forward to “exchanging stories and creating something special with such a diverse community!”

But it wasn’t long before Tata truly broke the internet – three months later, he posted a throwback photo from his youth that sent the likes soaring past 1 million. In it, a young Tata, with tousled hair and dreamy eyes, looked effortlessly cool in a white T-shirt.Tata also struck a nostalgic chord and often served as a window into the Tata legacy as well as his personal journey and roots. He also shared messages seeking help for lost, abandoned, and injured dogs.

Then there were the more personal moments, like when he shared a photo of himself crouched over a piano, reminiscing about his childhood piano lessons. In an emotional post during the tough times of 2020, Tata called for empathy in the face of online trolling and bullying. “This year has been full of challenges for everyone,” he wrote, having observed hurtful exchanges online. He stressed the need for support, especially during crises like Covid, locust attacks, and border tensions: “We need more sensitivity, kindness, and understanding than what we see today… My presence online is limited, but I truly hope it will evolve into a space of empathy and support for everyone, no matter what your cause, rather than hate and bullying,” he urged.

His social media popularity also brought its share of unwanted attention, with various quotes falsely attributed to him going viral. Tata has often had to clarify these misattributions, whether it was advocating for liquor sales with Aadhaar cards during Covid restrictions, or commenting on the “huge downfall of the economy” due to the pandemic.