Ratan Tata’s Demise: HospitalityNews Mourns the Loss of a Visionary and Beloved Leader

Ratan Tata’s Demise: HospitalityNews Mourns the Loss of a Visionary and Beloved Leader

By Shreenidhi Jagannathan

Published on October 10, 2024

The entire hospitality industry is heartbroken by the passing of Padma Vibhushan Ratan N. Tata, a man whose legacy of leadership, humility, and deep compassion has forever shaped business and the lives of millions. At Hospitalitynews, we join the nation and the global community in mourning this extraordinary visionary. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the Tata family and his loved ones during this difficult time.

Ratan Tata wasn’t just a corporate icon but a beacon of integrity and humanity. His influence on the hospitality industry, along with his other ventures, was profound and transformative. Under his stewardship, Tata Group—especially Taj Hotels—became a symbol of luxury, excellence, and heartfelt Indian hospitality. The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, one of the most iconic properties in the world, became not just a hotel but an embodiment of India’s spirit, reflecting the elegance, warmth, and culture that Mr Tata so deeply cherished.

What set Mr. Tata apart wasn’t just his business acumen but the compassion and vision that guided every decision he made. A quote that perfectly captures his ethos is:

“I don't believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right.
Ratan Tata

His belief in standing by his choices and making them successful was not just a business principle—it was the way he lived his life. This approach helped him steer the Tata Group through challenging times and elevate the Taj brand to global heights, making it a cornerstone of the hospitality industry.

Mr. Tata's influence went far beyond building hotels; he redefined what hospitality means. His philosophy was that hospitality isn’t just about luxurious surroundings but about human connections, creating experiences that make guests feel valued, respected, and at home. His leadership during the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks on the Taj Mahal Palace is an enduring example of his compassion. In the face of tragedy, he personally comforted victims and supported his staff, demonstrating a level of humanity and grace that resonated deeply around the world.

Beyond business, Mr Tata was also one of India’s greatest philanthropists. Through Tata Trusts, he committed a significant portion of his wealth to causes like healthcare, education, and rural development. His contributions to the hospitality industry weren’t just about profit; they were about building a sustainable future, caring for communities, and using business as a force for good. His dedication to sustainability and social impact continues to inspire the next generation of hoteliers and leaders.

On behalf of Hospitalitynews and the entire hospitality community, we offer our deepest respects to a man who redefined leadership with his kindness, humility, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of society.

Rest in peace, Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata. Your legacy of compassion, philanthropy, and visionary leadership will forever inspire us. The hospitality industry mourns your loss but will carry forward the values you lived by.


India’s Top Luxury Wedding Photographers Turning Celebrations into Fine Art Stories

India’s Top Luxury Wedding Photographers Turning Celebrations into Fine Art Stories

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 12, 2025

In the ultra-luxury wedding space, photography has transformed dramatically. It’s no longer just about documenting the day—it’s about legacy, artistry, and emotion. Across India, some of the country’s top wedding photographers are not only preserving these grand celebrations but elevating them into globally relevant, editorial-quality narratives.

Whether it’s an opulent palace wedding or a private international elopement, ultra-high-net-worth families, celebrities, and legacy households trust these artists to capture the very soul of their special moments. Each brings a distinctive vision to the evolving language of Indian wedding photography, merging tradition, fashion, emotion, and fine art into timeless keepsakes.

Here are five standout names leading this movement:

  • Karan Sidhu: Renowned for his soulful, cinematic storytelling, Karan’s emotive style is rooted deeply in authenticity, capturing honest, unscripted moments.

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  • Joseph Radhik: A global name synonymous with iconic celebrity weddings—like Anushka-Virat and Priyanka-Nick—Joseph weaves poetic visual narratives that transcend cultures.

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  • Ombre by Harsheen Jammu: This luxury boutique studio is redefining fine art wedding photography with profound emotional depth and aspirations that extend far beyond India.

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  • Ramit Batra: A seasoned storyteller with more than 500 weddings shot worldwide, Ramit beautifully blends grandeur with genuine sentiment.

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  • Reels and Frames (Anand Rathi): Based in Mumbai, this studio is behind several high-profile weddings, known for its modern, cinematic flair and a collaborative approach that resonates with clients.

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Together, these photographers illustrate how Indian wedding photography today is an immersive art form—one that turns moments into masterpieces, memories into legacies, and emotions into stories cherished for generations.


Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Appoints Priyanka Kumari as Corporate Training Manager

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Appoints Priyanka Kumari as Corporate Training Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 12, 2025

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Priyanka Kumari as the group’s new Corporate Training Manager, a strategic addition aimed at enhancing team capabilities and maintaining consistent service standards across all properties.

Priyanka brings with her over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked with leading global hotel brands such as Marriott, Wyndham, Carlson Rezidor, and Le Méridien Bangalore. Her expertise lies in designing and executing training programs that drive performance, uplift service delivery, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning.

In her new role, Priyanka will lead training and development initiatives across all Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, ensuring staff are equipped to deliver superior guest experiences. She will oversee the development of standardized training frameworks, implement best practices across operations, and support team engagement and career progression.

Known for her approachable leadership and tailored training strategies, Priyanka has consistently empowered frontline staff and management teams alike. Her programs have contributed to tangible improvements in both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Commenting on the appointment, Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, said,

“We are pleased to welcome Priyanka Kumari to our leadership team as we continue to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences across all our properties. Her extensive experience with leading hospitality brands and proven expertise in training and team development make her the ideal candidate to elevate our service standards.”

Outside of work, Priyanka enjoys exploring new destinations and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds—an interest that further enriches her understanding of guest service and hospitality excellence.

With this appointment, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts reaffirms its commitment to professional development, consistency in service, and excellence in hospitality.


The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie Appoints Eshant Rajput as Senior HR Executive

The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie Appoints Eshant Rajput as Senior HR Executive

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2025

The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie, a leading sustainable hospitality destination in the hills, has appointed Eshant Rajput as its new Senior HR Executive. With more than six years of experience in HR operations, payroll, compliance, and administration, Eshant steps into the role with a strong operational foundation and people-centric approach.

Eshant has previously handled HR responsibilities for over 150 employees across sectors like hospitality, healthcare, and waste management, giving him a diverse and agile perspective. He is well-versed in HRMS tools, ISO audits, labor relations, and employee engagement, making him a valuable addition to the resort’s evolving people strategy.

Mr. Arindam Bahel, General Manager, The Fern Brentwood Resort Mussoorie, expressed his optimism about the new appointment, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Eshant to the team. His extensive operational know-how and people-first mindset align well with our mission of building a motivated and service-oriented workforce.”

In his new role, Eshant will be responsible for recruitment, statutory compliance, employee engagement, and other core HR functions, with the goal of ensuring smooth operations and a positive work environment. He will also play a key role in strengthening staff retention efforts and aligning HR practices with the resort’s broader service goals.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Eshant Rajput said, “I’m excited to be part of a brand like The Fern Brentwood, which is as committed to its people as it is to sustainability. My focus will be on driving operational efficiency and enhancing employee engagement to support the resort’s vision of exceptional hospitality.”

With Eshant’s appointment, The Fern Brentwood Resort reinforces its commitment to both employee well-being and guest satisfaction, setting the tone for a culture rooted in excellence, care, and collaboration.

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