Tall leaders from the political arena like Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and Praful Patel went to pay their last respects.

Businessman Kumaramangalam Birla and Tata's close aide Suhel Seth were also spotted at the NCPA lawns amid the crowd of well-wishers who came to pay their tributes.

Industrialist Ratan Tata passed away on Wednesday in Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital. He was 86.

Tata had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital for a few days due to age-related medical issues before he passed away at 11:30 pm on Wednesday.

Tata Group expressed comfort in the love and respect shown by those who admired him, noting that his legacy of humility and purpose would continue to inspire future generations.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his sorrow over Tata's death, calling him a visionary business leader and a compassionate human being who made significant contributions to India's development.

Ratan N Tata was among India's most respected and loved industrialists, who took Tata Group to new heights and touched the fabric of the nation through his contributions across different areas including philanthropy.

He took over as Chairman of Tata Sons and Chairman of the Tata Trusts in 1991, a year when India's economy opened up through a series of economic reforms. He made use of the opportunities it presented while dealing with challenges. He served as the chairman of Tata Group for more than two decades till he retired in 2012.

His commitment to philanthropy and corporate social responsibility has earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan, two of India's highest civilian honours.

Uddhav Thackeray with son Aditya Thackeray arrive at NCPA to pay homage to Ratan Tata

MNS president Raj Thackeray on Thursday fondly remembered that he and industrialist Ratan Tata shared a common thread of their love for canines and said stray dogs were welcomed in all Tata premises, be it the Taj Mahal hotel or group headquarters.

"With the passing away of Ratan Tata sir, not just India, but humanity has lost a compassionate leader. (He was) A business tycoon who also excelled at philanthropy," Aaditya Thackeray said about Ratan Tata

Shantanu Naidu, a long-time associate of Ratan Tata, on Thursday bid farewell to the industrialist, comparing his boss to a "lighthouse"

Isha Ambani with husband Anand Piramal arrive at NCPA to pay their last respects

Locals wait in long queues outside NCPA to pay their homage to Ratan Tata