Globally, the death of renowned business entrepreneur Ratan Tata on October 9, 2024, rocked society. The disclosure of his will, which featured an unexpected and major gift to a mostly unknown person, Mohini Mohan Dutta, coincided with the news of his death. Out of his residual assets—Rs 500 crore—about one-third went to Dutta, a name few outside of Tata’s inner circle would know. Who, then, exactly is Mohini Mohan Dutta, and why did Ratan Tata choose him as a beneficiary?
Mohini Mohan Dutta is whom?
Entrepreneur Mohini Mohan Dutta of Jamshedpur co-owned Stallion, which later combined with Tata Services. Dutta held an 80% share before the merger; Tata Industries owned the other 20%. A decades-long relationship between Dutta and the Tata family, which stayed mostly behind the scenes, began with this corporate alliance.
At the age of 24, Dutta met Ratan Tata at the Dealers Hostel in Jamshedpur, which laid the foundation for their close relationship. Dutta told a moving story during Ratan Tata’s burial about how Tata had guided him over his career, therefore enabling him to emerge from modest beginnings. Though mostly unknown to the public, insiders tell us that Dutta was a close friend of the Tata family, and Tata himself was instrumental in determining Dutta’s career path.
Tata's Legacy of Giving
Ratan Tata’s will surprises many because of its unusual distribution. Apart from the usual sharing of riches among family members, Tata included other recipients like his devoted employees and reliable executive assistant Shantanu Naidu. Reflecting his compassion even for the most minute aspects of his life, he made a very moving gesture, ensuring that his pet dog, Tito, would be cared for with infinite resources.
With his interest in Tata Sons moving to the Ratan Tata Endowment Trust, Tata also included large charity clauses highlighting his dedication to philanthropy. Tata also left behind sizable assets, including a two-story house in Juhu, a beach home in Alibaug, and fixed deposits valued at more than Rs 350 crore. These clauses underline Tata’s long-term view for his company empire as well as for his personal legacy.
The Curious Gift for Dutta
The Rs 500 crore gift to Mohini Mohan Dutta in Tata’s will was perhaps the most unexpected. Though he maintains a rather quiet profile, Dutta has long been a trusted member of the Tata circle. Working at Tata Trusts for about ten years before retiring in 2024, his daughter too had a major career inside the Tata Group. This helps Dutta and the Tata family to be closer and gives more background for the unplanned bequest.
Although the common people might not know Dutta, Ratan Tata clearly held him in high respect and frequently expressed thanks for his constant support and direction. Dutta’s trusting and mentoring connection with the Tata family was clearly so strong that it produced one of the most unexpected and significant bequests in Tata’s testament.
What is next?
Ratan Tata’s fortune will now be distributed via the probate process, a legal process meant to guarantee that his desires are followed. Although this process is supposed to take several months, the disclosures from his will have already attracted international notice. Many will be observing the future of Tata Group and beyond as the specifics of Tata’s estate develop and considering the part Mohini Mohan Dutta will play.
Although many people may not know the name Mohini Mohan Dutta, Ratan Tata’s choice to have him included in his will says volumes about the relationships that molded his life. Built on trust, loyalty, and a strong work ethic, Tata’s legacy shows in his kind and careful last wishes. The riddle about this surprising gift further heightens the fascination around one of India’s most recognized corporate stars.
Ratan Tata will ultimately provide evidence of the strength of lifelong relationships, not only of riches. Mohini Mohan Dutta’s biography is only one chapter in the greater tale of Ratan Tata’s remarkable life, one that will keep developing in the next months and years.