"Tata Legacy: Ratan Tata Bequeaths Rs 500 Crore to Longtime Friend and Business Associate"
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In an unexpected twist, the will of Ratan Tata, former chairman of Tata Sons, has revealed a significant Rs 500 crore legacy for a businessman named Mohini Mohan Dutta. This revelation has sparked widespread curiosity and raised many questions, especially given Tata's reputation as a private person. The late industrialist passed away in October 2024 at the age of 86, leaving behind a rich legacy in business and philanthropy. While it was expected that Tata’s will would reflect his strong commitment to charity, his family, and his enduring values, the inclusion of Mohini Mohan Dutta as a primary beneficiary has caught many by surprise. Dutta, a businessman from Jamshedpur, has had a longstanding association with the Tata family, but his substantial inheritance raises many eyebrows.
Who is Mohini Mohan Dutta?
Mohini Mohan Dutta, now in his 80s, is a well-known businessman who first met Ratan Tata in the early 1960s. Their first encounter occurred at the Dealers’ Hostel in Jamshedpur when Tata, at the age of 24, was still finding his feet within the family business. Dutta has often described that meeting as a turning point in his life, with Tata’s guidance playing a significant role in shaping his career. Dutta’s business journey began with the Taj Group of Hotels, where he was involved in the hospitality sector. Later, he founded Stallion Travel Agency, a company that eventually merged with Taj Services, a division of the Taj Group, in 2013. Tata Industries owned 80% of the business before it was acquired by Tata Capital and later sold to Thomas Cook (India). Despite these changes, Dutta remained a director at the rebranded TC Travel Services and continues to hold shares in various Tata Group companies, including Tata Capital.
However, Dutta’s relationship with Tata went beyond business. The two men had a deeply personal bond, with reports describing Dutta as more than just an associate but as an "adopted son." Ratan Tata, who never married or had children, had a few close confidants, and Dutta was certainly one of them. Dutta’s daughter also worked for Tata Trusts for nearly a decade, further solidifying the family-like connection between them.
What Has Mohini Mohan Dutta Inherited?
According to The Economic Times, Dutta has been bequeathed one-third of Ratan Tata’s residual estate. This includes bank deposits worth over Rs 350 crore and proceeds from the auction of Tata’s personal belongings, such as paintings and high-end watches. While the executors estimate the inheritance to be around Rs 500 crore, Dutta believes that his portion could eventually be worth up to Rs 650 crore. The remaining two-thirds of Tata's residual estate has been left to his half-sisters, Shireen Jejeebhoy and Deanna Jejeebhoy. The will is currently being executed by Tata Trusts trustees Darius Khambata and Mehli Mistry, in collaboration with Tata’s half-sisters. Interestingly, Ratan Tata’s half-brother, Noel Tata, and his children have not been included in the will, which has raised some questions within the family. However, Tata’s brother, Jimmy Tata, has been allocated Rs 50 crore as per the reports.
The Legacy and Personal Bonds
Ratan Tata was known for his philanthropic work and his focus on improving the lives of others. His will reflects not just his business relationships but the personal connections that defined his life. The inclusion of Mohini Mohan Dutta speaks to the trust and admiration Tata had for him over the decades. Dutta’s close association with Tata, both professionally and personally, underscores the significance of their bond. Beyond being a business associate, Dutta was someone Tata evidently trusted and considered family. The legacy left for Dutta is a testament to the depth of that relationship.
The unexpected revelation of Mohini Mohan Dutta’s inheritance brings an intimate and humanizing element to Ratan Tata’s legacy. While Tata’s public persona has always been focused on his achievements as a businessman and philanthropist, the contents of his will reveal a side of Tata that was deeply rooted in personal connections. This surprising act of generosity, directed toward Dutta, highlights the lasting impact of their relationship and adds another chapter to the remarkable life of one of India’s most influential business leaders.
