An unlikely Insta sensation that defeated many influencers | India News – Times of India

With more than 13 million followers on X and almost 10 million on Instagram, Ratan Tata was unlikely social media sensation who could rival any mega-influencer. With a bio that boldly proclaimed, “I got the ‘Gram!” in October 2019, Tata shared a photo of himself in a sharp suit, with a cheerful smile and the caption: “I don’t know how the internet breaks, but I’m excited to join you all!” when he debuted on Instagram, eight years after a quieter 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 didn’t take long for Tata to really break the internet: three months later, he posted a throwback photo from his youth, sending the number of likes to over 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 posts 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 as he reminisced about his childhood piano lessons. In an emotional post during the trying 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, after observing hurtful exchanges online. He emphasized the need for support, especially during crises such as Covid, locust attacks and border tensions: “We need more sensitivity, kindness and understanding than what we see today… My online presence is limited, but I really hope it will be so. move towards a space of empathy and support for everyone, no matter what your goal, instead of hate and bullying,” he urged.

His popularity on social media also brought his share of unwanted attention, with several quotes being wrongly attributed to him and going viral. Tata has often had to clarify these misattributions, whether advocating the sale of liquor with Aadhaar cards during the Covid restrictions, or commenting on the “massive demise of the economy” due to the pandemic.