Who is Mohini Mohan Dutta? Mystery Man To Inherit Rs 500 Crore From Ratan Tata’s Will

The recent revelation of Ratan Tata’s will has left many in shock. In an unexpected turn, Tata bequeathed a third of his residual assets—estimated to be over Rs 500 crore—to Mohini Mohan Dutta, an individual whose association with him was known to very few. This surprising bequest has stirred speculation among the Tata family and close associates, as the identity of Dutta and his connection to the business tycoon was not widely recognized, as reported by The Economic Times .

 

Mohini Mohan Dutta is an entrepreneur in the travel sector, originally from Jamshedpur. Despite his prominent bequest, little was known about his relationship with Ratan Tata until the will’s opening. Over the years, Dutta built a name for himself in the travel industry, but his ties with the Tata family remained mostly under wraps, leading to widespread surprise when his name surfaced as a major beneficiary, reported ET.

 

Although Mohini Mohan Dutta’s connection with Ratan Tata was not publicly acknowledged until now, those familiar with his life reveal that he had been a trusted associate of Tata for many years. Dutta was known to be close to the Tata family and frequently spoke of his bond with Ratan Tata, even describing their relationship as deeply personal and professional. Dutta’s connection with the Tatas extended beyond business, as he was considered a part of their inner circle.

 

Dutta’s family originally owned a travel agency called Stallion, which merged with Taj Services, a subsidiary of the Tata Group, in 2013. Before the merger, Dutta and his family controlled 80 per cent of the company, with Tata Industries owning the remaining stake. Dutta’s business dealings, especially in the travel sector, were closely intertwined with the Tata Group, further strengthening his relationship with Ratan Tata over time. Dutta also served as a director at TC Travel Services, formerly affiliated with Thomas Cook, reported the publication.

 

Dutta’s bond with Ratan Tata spans over six decades. They first met in Jamshedpur when Tata was just 24 years old. According to Dutta, it was during that early meeting at the Dealers’ Hostel in Jamshedpur that Tata extended a helping hand, significantly influencing Dutta’s career and life. Dutta has frequently described Tata as a mentor and guiding figure, emphasizing the long-standing nature of their relationship.

 

In the wake of Ratan Tata’s death in October 2024, Dutta openly spoke about his deep connection with Tata. At Tata’s funeral, Dutta recalled their first meeting and the lasting impact Tata had on his life. Dutta described Tata as someone who “really built him up” and played an instrumental role in his personal and professional growth. Additionally, Dutta was invited to Tata’s birth anniversary celebrations in December 2024, which were attended by close associates and family members, further indicating the strength of their bond.

 

Ratan Tata’s will also underscores his lifelong commitment to philanthropy. A significant portion of his wealth has been dedicated to charitable causes, through entities like the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation and the Ratan Tata Endowment Trust, reported ET. Tata’s half-sisters, who were also named as beneficiaries in the will, are believed to be considering donating their share to charity as well. Tata’s legacy extends far beyond business, with his contributions to social causes being central to his life’s work.