In a somber turn of events, Subrata Roy, the visionary founder of Sahara India Group, bid farewell to the mortal realm on Tuesday, succumbing to a cardiorespiratory arrest at the age of 75. His demise at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute marked the end of an era, leaving a void in the business world and the hearts of those who knew him. Bollywood, in particular, grieved the loss of a man who had not only been a business magnate but had also played a significant role in the industry.
Amitabh Bachchan’s Muted Mourning
While condolences poured in from various corners of the film industry, one noticeable absence in the public mourning was the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. The megastar’s social media silence sparked speculation and criticism, with some accusing him of forsaking old connections like Subrata Roy and Amar Singh, who had stood by him during challenging times. However, it turns out that social media might have misconstrued the situation.
Setting the Record Straight
Contrary to the assumptions, Amitabh Bachchan, his son Abhishek Bachchan, and daughter Shweta Bachchan Nanda paid their respects to Subrata Roy. ETimes obtained footage from a reliable industry source showing the Bachchan family visiting Sahara Star Mumbai on November 15. The visuals depict them exiting the building after offering their tributes and condolences to Subrata Roy’s grieving family.
Amitabh’s Silent Homage
In an era dominated by social media expressions, Amitabh Bachchan chose a more personal and reflective avenue to mourn the loss of Subrata Roy. The megastar took to his blog on November 14, pouring his emotions into words. He wrote, “One by one, the past leaves us… they who become your attachment, your close… one day they leave… and the void remains, that unkept untreated volcanic depth of unknown void.” His words resonated with the universal experience of loss, acknowledging the inevitability of departures and the lingering emptiness left behind.
Amitabh Bachchan’s blog post paid tribute to Subrata Roy’s remarkable journey, stating, “Single-handedly, with no generational affliction, he built an envious empire… from nothing to a thing that did not possess a ‘no’.” The tribute encapsulated not only the loss of a dear friend but also a recognition of the entrepreneurial spirit that Subrata Roy brought to the table.
Final Farewell in Uttar Pradesh
Subrata Roy’s final rites occurred Thursday evening in Bhaisakund, in Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow district. The cremation ceremony, a poignant moment for family and close associates, witnessed Roy’s 16-year-old grandson performing the last rites. Unfortunately, Roy’s sons Sushanto and Seemanto were abroad. They could not attend the funeral, marking a bittersweet conclusion to the life of a man who left an indelible mark on Indian business and society.
Subrata Roy’s legacy lives on in the echoing corridors of Sahara Star Mumbai, where tributes were paid and condolences exchanged. The convergence of Bollywood and business in bidding farewell to this visionary entrepreneur underscores his profound impact on multiple facets of Indian life. As we reflect on the life and times of Subrata Roy, his journey stands as a testament to resilience, ambition, and the enduring spirit of those who dare to dream.
Read More: From Rags to Riches: The Rise and Fall of Subrata Roy, Founder of Sahara Group
