Simone Tata, widely recognized as the “Czarina” of Lakmé and a pioneering figure in India’s consumer and retail landscape, passed away on Friday morning at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital after a brief illness. She was 95 years old.

The Tata Group announced that last respects for Simone Tata will be paid on Saturday morning at the Cathedral of the Holy Name Church in Colaba, Mumbai. In a statement, the group highlighted her remarkable contributions:

“She will always be remembered for her contribution to the growth of Lakmé as India’s leading cosmetic brand and for laying the foundation for fashion retail with the Westside chain. She also guided the work of many philanthropic organisations, including the Sir Ratan Tata Institute. With her positivity and deep resolve, she overcame many challenges in her life while touching many of us deeply. May her soul rest in peace, and God give us the strength to overcome this loss.”

Simone Tata is survived by her son, Noel Tata, who chairs Tata Trusts; her daughter-in-law, Aloo Mistry; and her grandchildren Neville, Maya, and Leah. She was also the stepmother of the late Ratan Tata, former chairman of the Tata Group.

Early Life and Arrival in India

Born Simone Naval Dunoyer in Geneva, Switzerland, Simone first visited India as a tourist in 1953. Two years later, she married Naval H. Tata, joining the Tata family and beginning a lifelong association with the Tata Group. Her entry into India’s corporate sphere coincided with a transformative period for consumer brands in the country.

Lakmé and the Rise of Indian Consumer Beauty

Simone Tata joined the board of Lakmé in 1961, at a time when it was a small subsidiary of Tata Oil Mills Company (TOMCO). TOMCO already owned personal care brands such as Hamam, Okay, and Modi Soaps, but Lakmé was relatively niche. Simone’s vision for the company emphasized quality, accessibility, and marketing that resonated with Indian women.

Her leadership and strategic foresight helped Lakmé evolve from a small, specialized brand into India’s most recognized and trusted cosmetics company. In 1982, she was appointed chairperson of Lakmé, earning her the moniker “Cosmetic Czarina of India.” Under her guidance, Lakmé not only introduced a modern beauty culture but also became a platform for homegrown innovation in cosmetics, transforming consumer habits across the nation.

Contribution to Retail and Philanthropy

Beyond cosmetics, Simone Tata played a pivotal role in shaping India’s retail landscape. She laid the foundation for the Westside retail chain, making it a major force in fashion and lifestyle products in India. Her vision of combining product quality with consumer experience helped establish a blueprint for modern retail in the country.

Simone Tata also actively guided philanthropic initiatives affiliated with the Tata Group. Her efforts included support for educational, health, and social welfare programs, including work with the Sir Ratan Tata Institute, reflecting her commitment to social responsibility alongside business leadership.

Legacy

Simone Tata’s life reflected a blend of business acumen, strategic foresight, and commitment to societal welfare. Her leadership in Lakmé and retail not only popularized beauty and fashion in India but also inspired generations of women entrepreneurs and corporate leaders.

Her death marks the end of an era for the Tata family and Indian consumer business, but her legacy endures through the brands she nurtured and the philanthropic work she championed.

Simone Tata’s life story stands as a testament to the impact of visionary leadership in shaping industries while upholding values of resilience, positivity, and societal contribution.