Simone Tata, iconic force behind Lakmé and Westside, passes away at 95

Simone Tata. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Simone Tata, the pioneering business leader known for shaping Lakmé into India's iconic beauty brand and establishing the base for fashion retail through the Westside chain, passed away on Friday at the age of 95.

She had been recovering from an illness and was admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital.

In a statement, the Tata Group paid tribute to her enduring legacy. "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," the statement read.

Last respects will be offered on December 6, 2025, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at the Cathedral of the Holy Name, Colaba, followed by a mass at 11:00 am.

She is survived by her son Noel Tata, daughter-in-law Aloo Mistry, and grandchildren Neville, Maya and Leah.

Born Simone Naval Dunoyer in Geneva, Switzerland, she first visited India as a tourist in 1953. She married Naval H. Tata in 1955 and began her professional journey with the Tata Group in the early 1960s.