Ratan Tata’s stepmother, Simone Tata, has passed away at the age of 95, according to reports. She died on December 5, 2025, after a period of illness while receiving treatment at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. The Tata Group confirmed her death in an official statement.
Simone Tata was a significant figure in Indian business and played a vital role in the Tata legacy. She is survived by her son, Noel, his wife Aloo Mistry, and her grandchildren, Neville, Maya, and Leah. The impact of her leadership in the cosmetics industry is particularly noteworthy, especially her contributions to making Lakmé a leading cosmetics brand in India.
In recent years, Simone attracted public attention as the only member of the Tata family to attend the funeral of Cyrus Mistry, highlighting the complicated relationships between the families. Her funeral service is scheduled for Saturday morning at the Cathedral of the Holy Name Church in Colaba. The Tata Group’s statement emphasized her legacy, noting her contributions not only to Lakmé but also to various philanthropic organizations.
Born in Geneva in 1930, Simone Tata’s life took a transformative turn when she visited India at the age of 23. She later studied at the University of Geneva and married Naval H. Tata in 1955. Her professional journey with the Tata Group began in the 1960s, when she was appointed to the newly established Lakmé brand. The creation of Lakmé was inspired by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision for Indian women, who were then spending significant resources on Western cosmetic brands.
Simone Tata’s role at Lakmé began in 1962 when she was appointed managing director and later became chairperson. Under her leadership, Lakmé emerged as a popular choice among consumers in India. She was instrumental in enhancing the brand’s products and incorporating international trends into its offerings. Her strategic vision helped establish Lakmé as one of the foremost cosmetic brands in the country.
In 1966, the Tata Group sold Lakmé to Hindustan Lever Limited (HCL), which marked a new chapter in her career. Following this change, Simone transitioned to Trent, where she played a pivotal role in launching Westside, an innovative retail chain that significantly influenced shopping culture in India. Her impactful leadership extended to serving as chairperson of the Sir Ratan Tata Institute, as well as being a trustee of Children of the World India and the India Foundation for the Arts.
As the Tata family navigates this challenging time, the legacy of Simone Tata continues to resonate within the realms of business and philanthropy, leaving an indelible mark on Indian society.