Who is Mohini Mohan Dutta? Beneficiary set to inherit over Rs 500 crore from Ratan Tata's will

Ratan Naval Tata's will continues to make waves – not only because of the vast fortune he left behind but also due to the unexpected beneficiaries. Among those included in the will, from his siblings to his loyal staff and even his German Shepherd Tito, one name has caught the business world's attention: Mohini Mohan Dutta.

Dutta, a relatively unknown entrepreneur from Jamshedpur, has been left over Rs 500 crore, according to The Times of India. His inclusion in the will has raised eyebrows, especially since Tata, who passed away in October 2024, was known for keeping his personal life private.

The 74-year-old entrepreneur, a former Tata Group employee, shares a close bond with the late industrialist and is now seeking a substantial settlement that differs from the estate's executors' assessment.

According to the report, Dutta is entitled to one-third of the residual estate, which includes over Rs 350 crore in bank deposits and proceeds from selling personal items like paintings and timepieces. The remaining two-thirds will go to Ratan Tata’s half-sisters, Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy, who are also the will's executors.

Though the estate’s official valuation is yet to be completed, Dutta’s share may not reach the Rs 650 crore he expects. The will is currently awaiting probate in the Bombay High Court, the publication reported. 

Who is Mohini Mohan Dutta?

Born in Jamshedpur, Dutta’s career began with the Taj Group, followed by the creation of Stallion Travel Agency. After merging his business with Taj Services, a division of the Taj Group of Hotels, the venture was later acquired by Tata Capital and eventually sold to Thomas Cook (India). Now operating as TC Travel Services, Dutta remains a director while also holding investments in various Tata Group enterprises, including shares in the upcoming Tata Capital public listing.

According to The Economic Times, Dutta first met Ratan Tata in the early 1960s at the Dealers' Hostel in Jamshedpur when Tata was just 24 years old and still making his mark within the Tata organization. That serendipitous meeting would shape the course of Dutta’s life.

“I first met him when he was 24, in Jamshedpur. He helped me out and really built me up,” Dutta recalled during Ratan Tata’s funeral in October 2024, as reported by TOI.

While Dutta considered himself to be Ratan Tata’s adopted son, official documents, including the will and codicil, confirm that Ratan Tata never married or adopted anyone.