Artist Nilesh Mohite’s life changed after meeting Ratan Tata in 2019. Mohite, nicknamed Sonu, used to stand for hours outside the Taj office but never approached Tata. “While doing small jobs, I became obsessed with meeting Ratan Tata. When I had time, I would go stand at the Taj’s door,” he said.

“I had made a sketch of him boarding an aircraft and wanted to give it to him as a birthday gift. I live in Macchimar Nagar, Colaba, and through local political leaders, I finally managed to get an appointment with him. This was in 2019,” Nilesh told mid-day.