Ratan Tata’s will has brought attention to a lesser-known individual to light an unexpected beneficiary—Mohini Mohan Dutta. Reports suggest that Dutta is set to inherit one-third of the industrialist’s residual estate, a share that could be worth over ₹500 crore. The revelation has surprised many, as Dutta’s connection with the Tata family was not widely known.
Who is Mohini Mohan Dutta?
Early Life and Career
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Age & Origin: Mohini Mohan Dutta is a 74-year-old entrepreneur from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.
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Professional Background: He initially worked with the Taj Group before establishing his own business in the travel industry.
His Connection with Ratan Tata
Dutta first met Ratan Tata when the latter was just 24 years old. Their meeting took place at the Dealers’ Hostel in Jamshedpur, and this chance encounter sparked a lifelong bond between the two.
"He helped me out and really built me up," Dutta recalled during Tata’s funeral in October 2024.
Business Ventures and Ties with Tata Group
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Dutta founded Stallion Travel Agency, which later received investment from Tata Industries.
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In 2013, Stallion merged with Taj Services, a subsidiary of the Taj Group of Hotels.
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Tata Capital later took over Stallion and sold it to Thomas Cook (India), where it now operates as TC Travel Services with Dutta serving as its director.
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Dutta and his family previously held an 80% stake in Stallion, while Tata Industries owned the remaining 20%.
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He also holds shares in various Tata Group companies, including Tata Capital, which is set for an IPO.
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One of his daughters worked with Tata Trusts for nine years until 2024 and had prior experience with Taj Hotels.
Dutta’s Close Relationship with the Tata Family
Despite maintaining a relatively low public profile, Dutta was closely associated with Ratan Tata’s inner circle.
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He was among the select few invited to Tata’s birth anniversary celebrations at Mumbai’s National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in December 2024.
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Sources indicate that he remains in close contact with several Tata family members.
What Will Mohini Mohan Dutta Inherit?
A Third of Ratan Tata’s Residual Estate
As per Ratan Tata’s will, Dutta is expected to receive one-third of the industrialist’s remaining wealth. This portion of the estate includes:
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Bank deposits exceeding ₹350 crore
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Proceeds from the auction of valuable personal assets, such as:
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Expensive paintings
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Luxury watches
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Other collectibles
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Potential Disputes Over Inheritance
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Reports suggest that Dutta could inherit as much as ₹650 crore, though this claim is under scrutiny.
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Some Tata stakeholders have raised concerns about how an individual outside the Tata family could receive such a significant share of Tata’s estate.
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The final valuation of Tata’s residual estate is still pending, and it remains uncertain whether Dutta’s inheritance will amount to the projected ₹650 crore.
Ratan Tata’s Will: Who Else Inherits His Wealth?
Net Worth and Estate
According to the Hurun India Rich List 2024, Ratan Tata had a 0.83% stake in Tata Sons and a net worth of ₹7,900 crore.
Other Beneficiaries of His Will
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Shireen Jejeebhoy & Deanna Jejeebhoy (Half-Sisters)
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They will receive two-thirds of the residual estate.
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Both have reportedly expressed interest in donating their share to charity.
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Jimmy Tata (Younger Brother)
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He will inherit ₹50 crore from Tata’s estate.
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Shantanu Naidu (Executive Assistant)
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Tata relinquished his stake in Goodfellows, Naidu’s companionship startup.
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He also waived Naidu’s personal loan, which was taken for overseas education.
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Tito (Ratan Tata’s German Shepherd)
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Tata made provisions in his will to ensure that his beloved pet receives lifetime care.
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Charitable Contributions
A significant portion of Ratan Tata’s wealth has been set aside for philanthropy. Before his passing, he established two major charitable entities:
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Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation
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Ratan Tata Endowment Trust
These foundations are expected to carry forward his legacy of philanthropy, which has been a defining aspect of his contributions to society.
What Happens Next?
Probate Process
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Tata’s estate can only be legally distributed after his will is probated in the Bombay High Court.
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The process is expected to take approximately six months before final settlements are made.
Final Thoughts
Ratan Tata’s will has brought an unexpected spotlight onto Mohini Mohan Dutta, a longtime associate whose inheritance has sparked curiosity and debate. While some question the scale of his bequest, his deep-rooted connections with the Tata family suggest that his role in Tata’s life was significant. As the probate process unfolds, more clarity will emerge on the exact valuation and distribution of Ratan Tata’s wealth.
With inputs from agencies
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