Mohini Mohan Dutta and Ratan Tata's Will
Ratan Tata's will, unsealed after his passing in October 2024, surprised many with its inclusion of Mohini Mohan Dutta, a relatively unknown entrepreneur from Jamshedpur. Dutta, now in his 80s, received over ₹500 crore, sparking curiosity about his connection to the enigmatic industrialist.
Their paths crossed in the early 1960s at the Dealers' Hostel in Jamshedpur. A young Ratan Tata, then 24, met Dutta, shaping the latter's life trajectory. "He helped me out and really built me up," Dutta remarked at Tata's funeral.
Dutta's career intertwined with the Tata Group. He started with the Taj Group, later founding Stallion Travel Agency, which merged with Taj Services in 2013. Tata Industries held a significant stake in the business before its acquisition and subsequent sale. Dutta remains a director at the rebranded TC Travel Services and holds shares in Tata Group companies.
The will and its codicil explicitly state that Tata never married or legally adopted children. However, the report describes Dutta as "more than an associate, an adopted son." His daughter worked with Tata Trusts, and he was a guest at Tata's birth anniversary commemoration.
Despite their close ties, Dutta's inheritance has raised questions. He is entitled to one-third of Tata's residual estate, including substantial bank deposits and proceeds from auctioning personal belongings. This has reportedly caused discontent, with Dutta expecting a higher amount than the executors' current estimates.
Tata's half-sisters, Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy, are also beneficiaries, along with Tata Trusts trustees Darius Khambata and Mehli Mistry. Notably, Tata's half-brother Noel Tata and his children are not included in the will.
As the will awaits probate, the unexpected bequest to Mohini Mohan Dutta continues to intrigue and raise questions about his relationship with Ratan Tata.