Jobaaj Stories
Ratan Tata, one of India’s most respected business leaders, passed away in October 2024 at the age of 86. His will, which was revealed two weeks after his death, has surprised many as it includes a lesser-known name—Mohini Mohan Dutta—who has reportedly received ₹500 crore from Tata’s fortune.
Who is Mohini Mohan Dutta?
Mohini Mohan Dutta is an entrepreneur from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. He owned a travel agency called Stallion, which merged with a subsidiary of the Taj Group of Hotels, Taj Services, in 2013. The Dutta family held an 80% stake in Stallion, while the Tata Group owned the remaining 20%.
Dutta was also a director at TC Travel Services, which was once associated with Thomas Cook. He had close ties with Ratan Tata and his family. According to reports, Dutta’s daughter worked for Tata Trusts for nine years and was previously employed at Taj Hotels.
A 60-Year-Old Friendship
Dutta reportedly met Ratan Tata in Jamshedpur at the Dealers' Hostel when Tata was just 24 years old. Their friendship lasted for six decades, and Dutta is said to have often described himself as being very close to the Tata family. He once mentioned that Ratan Tata "built me up," highlighting the deep bond they shared.
Ratan Tata’s Will
Ratan Tata, who had a net worth of around ₹8,000 crore, donated most of his wealth to charity. His will allocated assets among his brother, half-sisters, close staff members, and his executive assistant Shantanu Naidu. He also made special arrangements to ensure lifelong care for his pet dog, Tito.
His assets included:
- A beach bungalow in Alibaug
- A two-storey house in Juhu
- Fixed deposits worth over ₹350 crore
- A stake in Tata Sons, which was transferred to the Ratan Tata Endowment Trust
The inclusion of Mohini Mohan Dutta in Tata’s will has left many surprised, but their long-standing friendship suggests that Dutta played a meaningful role in Tata’s life.
