Who is Mohini Mohan Dutta?
The recent unsealing of late Ratan Tata’s will has raised many questions, with one of the most discussed being the inclusion of Mohini Mohan Dutta, a Jamshedpur-based entrepreneur. His name came as a surprise as he is not a typical beneficiary, and many are curious about his connection to Ratan Tata.
Who is Mohini Mohan Dutta?
Dutta, 74, is a former employee of the Tata Group and has had a close relationship with Ratan Tata. According to sources, he is seeking a substantial amount from the estate, which differs from what the executors have estimated. In Ratan Tata’s will, Dutta is entitled to one-third of the remaining estate, which includes bank deposits over Rs 350 crore and proceeds from selling items like paintings and watches. The other two-thirds of the estate have been allocated to Ratan Tata’s half-sisters, Shireen Jejeebhoy and Deanna Jejeebhoy, who are also the executors of the will after Ratan Tata’s passing in October 2024. The main assets, including company shares, have been assigned to Tata’s two foundations.
While Dutta accepts his one-third share, he believes his inheritance should be around Rs 650 crore, which has caused concern among Tata stakeholders. However, sources suggest that his share might not reach that amount. The will is still awaiting probate in the Bombay High Court, and the estate’s official valuation is yet to be completed.
Mohini Mohan Dutta’s Career and Relationship with Ratan Tata
Mohini Mohan Dutta’s career began with the Taj Group and later led him to establish Stallion Travel Agency, which merged with Taj Services in 2013, a division of the Taj Group. After the merger, Tata Capital acquired the business, and it was eventually sold to Thomas Cook (India). Dutta now works as the director of the company, which operates as TC Travel Services. He also has investments in various Tata Group companies, including shares in the upcoming Tata Capital public listing.
Dutta first met Ratan Tata in Jamshedpur in the early 1960s when Ratan Tata was just 24 and still building his career within the Tata organization. Their meeting became a key moment in Dutta’s life, and they developed a strong bond. Dutta has often referred to Ratan Tata as a mentor and considered him like a father figure, though official documents confirm that Ratan Tata never married or adopted anyone.
Dutta’s connection to Ratan Tata has been more personal than professional, and he even called himself Tata’s “adopted son” during Ratan Tata’s funeral in October 2024. Dutta’s daughter also worked for nearly ten years at Tata Trusts after starting at Taj Hotels. His presence at Ratan Tata’s birth anniversary celebration in December 2024 further reflects the closeness between the two.
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Controversy Over Inheritance
The revelation of Mohini Mohan Dutta’s share in Ratan Tata’s estate has raised eyebrows, especially since Ratan Tata had chosen to allocate most of his wealth to charitable causes. His half-sisters, Shireen and Deanna, are the other primary beneficiaries and have stated they intend to donate their portions to charity.
The fact that an outsider like Dutta is asking for a large inheritance has sparked curiosity, even among those close to the Tata family. Notably, other family members, such as Noel Tata (Ratan Tata’s half-brother) and his children, are not mentioned in the will. Ratan Tata’s brother, Jimmy Tata, has been allocated property worth Rs 50 crore.
This has led many to question who Mohini Mohan Dutta really is, his role in Ratan Tata’s life, and why he is entitled to such a large portion of the estate. The executors of the will, in addition to the half-sisters, include Darius Khambata and Mehli Mistry, trustees of the Tata Trusts.