Ratan Tata’s Shocking Will: Who is the mystery man Mohini Mohan Dutta who may walk away with ₹500 crore?

When the need of Ratan Tata (RNT) was unsealed not too long ago, few had been ready for the shock it contained. Among the many anticipated beneficiaries and the standard philanthropic commitments, one title stood out – Mohini Mohan Dutta. This comparatively unknown determine, an entrepreneur from Jamshedpur, has been left a staggering sum of greater than ₹500 crore, as estimated by sources acquainted with the matter, ET reported.Even inside the inside circles of Tata loyalists, Dutta’s inclusion has raised eyebrows. Who is that this man? What function did he play in Ratan Tata’s life? And the way did he come to be probably the most shocking heirs to the legacy of India’s most revered enterprise icon?

Additionally Learn: Ratan Tata’s will stuns with Rs 500 crore gift to mystery man

Mohini Mohan Dutta & Ratan Tata: A connection rooted in Jamshedpur

Dutta, now in his 80s, first crossed paths with Ratan Tata in Jamshedpur, the place their bond was solid on the Sellers’ Hostel. The 12 months was the early Nineteen Sixties, and RNT was a younger man of 24, nonetheless discovering his place within the Tata empire. It was a gathering that will form the course of Dutta’s life in methods few might have imagined.

“We first met in Jamshedpur on the Sellers’ Hostel when Ratan Tata was 24. He helped me out and actually constructed me up,” Dutta recalled at Ratan Tata’s funeral in October 2024, ToI reported.

That early bond translated into a long time of quiet but significant affiliation.

Dutta started his profession with the Taj Group earlier than launching his personal enterprise, Stallion Journey Company, which merged with Taj Companies, a division of the Taj Group of Lodges, in 2013. They held an 80% stake within the enterprise, with the remaining share owned by Tata Industries.

The company was merged with Taj’s journey division, later acquired by Tata Capital and subsequently offered to Thomas Cook dinner (India). Now working as TC Journey Companies, Dutta stays a director. He additionally holds shares in Tata Group firms, together with the soon-to-be-listed Tata Capital.

Additionally Learn: Arbitrator may take key call on future of Tata’s fortune

The adopted son?

To some, Dutta was greater than a enterprise affiliate, he was a confidant, a trusted ally. Based on longtime Tata insiders, Dutta noticed himself because the industrialist’s adopted son, as reported by ToI. Nevertheless, the need and codicil make it clear that Ratan Tata by no means married or legally adopted any youngsters.

Nonetheless, Dutta’s deep connection to the Tata household is tough to disregard. His daughter labored with Tata Trusts for practically a decade, having began her profession with Taj Lodges. And when Ratan Tata’s beginning anniversary was commemorated at Mumbai’s NCPA in December 2024, Dutta was an invited visitor.

Regardless of these long-standing ties, few exterior the speedy Tata circle had been conscious of Dutta’s prominence in Ratan Tata’s life, till now.

With the majority of Ratan Tata’s fortune earmarked for charity, the revelation of Dutta’s windfall has sparked intrigue, and in some quarters, murmurs of discontent. His half-sisters, the one different important named beneficiaries, have already indicated their intention to return their share to charity.

But, questions swirl. Why was Dutta singled out for such an unlimited share of the private property? What did Ratan Tata see in him that others missed? And the way will this surprising revelation impression the broader Tata legacy?

As authorized consultants put together for scrutiny of the property’s distribution, one factor is evident, Mohini Mohan Dutta is now not a shadowy determine within the Tata saga. He’s now, fairly actually, a central character in its ultimate chapter.