Following the passing of the beloved industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata, public interest soared regarding the distribution of his estimated ₹10,000-crore estate. Known for his humility and generosity, Tata’s will reveals how he chose to allocate his wealth to those closest to him. The primary beneficiaries include his pet dog Tito, his half-sisters Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy, and his trusted aide Shantanu Naidu, among others.
Legacy Distribution: Family and Close Companions
Tata’s will showcases his deep personal connections, leaving significant portions of his estate to trusted individuals and family members, such as his half-sisters Shireen and Deanna, and his brother Jimmy Tata. His beloved dog Tito is also provided for with a lifetime care arrangement.
Those outside his family who played key roles in Tata’s life also received part of his legacy. This includes his devoted butler and Shantanu Naidu, his young assistant and friend. In a testament to his love for animals, Tata made special provisions for his pet Tito, a German Shepherd adopted five to six years ago, who will be cared for by Tata’s longtime cook, Rajan Shaw.
Recognizing Loyal Associates
In addition to family, Tata honored those who loyally supported him over the years. Shantanu Naidu, whose relationship with Tata blossomed over their shared love for dogs, received a notable portion of the estate. Tata even forgave a personal loan he had given Naidu for his overseas studies and relinquished his stake in Naidu’s ventures, such as Goodfellows and Motopaws. Tata’s longtime butler, Subbiah, who served him faithfully for over three decades, also received recognition, a testament to Tata’s appreciation for his loyal service.
A charming scene with the unassuming #RatanTata on his 84th birthday pic.twitter.com/wkmm7jhCyZ
— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) December 29, 2021
Philanthropic Contributions and Asset Allocation
True to his philanthropic spirit, Tata designated a large share of his assets to the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF), including shares in major Tata Group companies and proceeds from startup investments. Since its inception in 2022, RTEF has supported numerous nonprofit projects and will continue to operate under the leadership of N Chandrasekaran.
The will also includes assets allocated to his half-sisters and his brother Jimmy, though other family members, including his stepbrother Noel Tata and stepmother Simone Tata, were not mentioned.
Properties, Cars, and Executors
Among Tata’s significant properties are his residence in Colaba, the beach bungalow in Alibaug, and a two-storey house in Mumbai’s Juhu Tara Road, which he inherited with his stepbrother Noel Tata. His personal car collection, stored in Colaba and his Taj Wellington Mews apartment, could be auctioned or displayed in the Tata museum in Pune. His numerous awards are set to be preserved at the Tata Central Archives.
To execute his final wishes, Tata appointed lawyer Darius Khambata and longtime associate Mehli Mistry as executors, with Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy also involved.
Who Missed Out?
Ratan Tata’s will highlights his brother Jimmy and half-sisters Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy, while other family members, including his stepbrother Noel Tata, were not included as primary beneficiaries.
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