Late business magnate Ratan Tata left nearly a third of his residual assets to an unexpected name—Mohini Mohan Dutta—according to a report by The Economic Times. Mr. Tata, who passed away on October 9, 2024, allocated ₹500 crore to Dutta, a name unfamiliar to many within his family and close circles.

However, the distribution of assets will only take place after the will undergoes probate and is certified by the High Court, a process expected to take at least six months.

Who is Mohini Mohan Dutta?

Mohini Mohan Dutta, an entrepreneur from Jamshedpur, co-founded Stallion, a company that later merged with Tata Services. Before the merger, Dutta held an 80% stake in Stallion, while Tata Industries owned the remaining 20%.

Dutta first met Ratan Tata in Jamshedpur at the Dealers Hostel when he was just 24 years old. While not widely known before being named in the will, insiders say he had a longstanding relationship with the Tata family.

"He helped me and truly shaped my career," Dutta had shared with the media in the past. Their association reportedly spanned nearly six decades, and he was an invitee to Ratan Tata’s private birth anniversary celebrations at the NCPA in Mumbai in December 2024.

Dutta’s daughter also worked with the Tata Group, first with Taj Hotels until 2015 and later at Tata Trusts, where she was employed until 2024, according to Fortune.

Details of Ratan Tata’s Will

The late industrialist’s will, made public two weeks after his passing, detailed the allocation of his wealth among multiple beneficiaries, including his brother, half-sisters, longtime household staff, and executive assistant Shantanu Naidu. Special provisions were also made to ensure lifelong care for his pet dog, Tito.

The bulk of Mr. Tata’s stake in Tata Sons was transferred to the Ratan Tata Endowment Trust. His personal assets included a beach bungalow in Alibaug, a two-storey house in Juhu, fixed deposits worth over ₹350 crore, and various other holdings.