‘Sometimes I long for it’: When Ratan Tata reflected on ‘not having a wife or a family’ due to his demanding career

Despite his remarkable legacy, he openly discussed the personal sacrifices he had to make, especially when it came to his family life. In an emotional interview with his close friend Simi Garewal on Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, Tata reflected on his choice to prioritise his career, which meant not having a wife or children, and the sense of loneliness that occasionally came with that decision.

He revealed, “There are many times that I feel lonely about not having a wife or a family, and sometimes I long for it.” He expressed that although he appreciated the freedom of not having to worry about another person, there were times when solitude felt overwhelming.

Tata’s experience sheds light on the delicate balance many individuals in high-pressure careers face — navigating the demands of professional success while often having to put personal aspirations on hold. (Source: Express Archives)

When Garewal questioned what stopped him from getting married, he said, “A whole series of things (stopped me from marrying) — timing, my absorption in work at the time. I came close to getting married a few times, but it didn’t work out.”

Tata’s experience sheds light on the delicate balance many individuals in high-pressure careers face — navigating the demands of professional success while often having to put personal aspirations on hold. 

His reflections invite more profound exploration into how those in similar situations can find fulfilment and balance when personal sacrifices are made for their careers. Gurleen Baruah, organisational psychologist at That Culture Thing tells indianexpress.com, “ Whether choosing to remain single, childless, or to have a family and children, each path comes with its own advantages and trade-offs.”

The challenges

Baruah reveals, “Some common emotional and psychological challenges faced by high-achieving professionals who remain single may include periods of loneliness or a deep yearning for companionship — someone to share life with, to talk to, love, and understand. The lack of close, meaningful relationships is another challenge, as high achievers are often surrounded by people who seek to impress them or act as ‘yes-persons,’ rather than those who can truly connect with them on a deeper, more authentic level.”

Additionally, she adds that there may be an existential questioning: while career success brings fulfilment, it can be accompanied by thoughts about legacy or personal connections — wondering who will share their journey or remember them beyond their professional achievements. “Authentic, non-transactional relationships can also be hard to form, as many people may be drawn to them for their status or accomplishments, rather than for who they are as individuals.”

Ratan Tata breathed his last at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai Wednesday night. (Source: Express Archives)

Finding fulfilment and contentment outside of traditional family structures

Baruah stresses, “It’s different for everyone, as fulfilment and contentment can take many forms beyond traditional family structures. High-achieving individuals might find immense satisfaction in the impact they make through their careers. Beyond work, many people find fulfilment in social causes, philanthropy, or dedicating themselves to significantly contributing to society.”

Travelling the world and experiencing new cultures or pursuing personal passions and hobbies can also be sources of deep contentment. For some, engaging in artistic expression, intellectual pursuits, or even sports can bring immense joy and a sense of accomplishment. 

“Marriage and having children, while fulfilling for many, are not the only paths to a meaningful life. Marriage is also a social construct, and not everyone feels called to follow that route. Many people find profound satisfaction in non-traditional relationships, forming deep connections with friends, mentors, and community members that enrich their lives in other ways,” explains Baruah.

From the homepage

Bar Council of India suspends lawyer for ‘throwing shoe’ at CJI Gavai: ‘Conduct inconsistent with court’s dignity’

On Ladakh after Wangchuk arrest, LG says normal, protesting groups disagree

Dalit man lynched over ‘drone chor’ rumours in UP’s Raebareli; Cong slams ‘jungle raj’ under Yogi govt