Ratan Tata’s recently opened will names a mystery man whom Tata left Rs. 500 crore, who is this man?

The recently opened will of the late Ratan Tata, one of India’s most respected business tycoons, has revealed a surprising name—Mohini Mohan Dutta. The Economic Times reported that Dutta has been bequeathed a third of Tata’s residual assets, amounting to over Rs. 500 crore, leaving many in the Tata circle stunned.

The Man Behind the Mystery

Dutta is no stranger to those who knew Ratan Tata closely. A long-time associate, he was familiar to some members of the Tata family. However, his inclusion in Tata’s will came as an unexpected revelation to many.

Dutta, an entrepreneur from Jamshedpur, made his mark in the travel industry. His family once owned Stallion, a travel agency that merged with Taj Services in 2013, part of the Taj Group of Hotels. The Dutta family held an 80% stake in Stallion, while Tata Industries owned the rest.

Adding to his deep ties with the Tata Group, one of Dutta’s daughters worked with Taj Hotels until 2015 and later joined Tata Trusts, where she remained employed until 2024.

A Bond Spanning Six Decades

Dutta and Tata’s friendship dated back 60 years, to their first meeting in Jamshedpur’s Dealers’ Hostel when Tata was just 24 years old. Dutta recalled in an interview how Ratan Tata played a crucial role in his life, saying, “He helped me out and really built me up.”

Their long-standing relationship was further emphasized when Dutta was invited to Ratan Tata’s birth anniversary celebrations in December 2024—a rare honor extended to a close few.

An Unbreakable Connection

While the Tata family may have been taken aback by Dutta’s inclusion in the will, his deep-rooted relationship with Ratan Tata makes it clear that he was an important figure in the industrialist’s life. The details surrounding the bequest remain private, but one thing is certain—Dutta was more than just a business associate; he was a trusted friend and confidant of one of India’s most iconic leaders.