Ratan Tata Mumbai/IBNS: Renowned industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata, who passed away on Oct. 9 at the age of 86, has made provisions in his will for the lifelong care of his beloved dog, Tito.
Tito, who was adopted around six years ago following the death of Tata's previous dog, will be cared for by his long-time cook, Rajan Shaw.
Although leaving wealth for pets is a common practice in Western countries, it remains relatively rare in India.
Ratan Tata was known for his deep affection for dogs.
He actively advocated for the welfare of stray animals on social media and encouraged compassion towards them.
He was dedicated to finding homes for abandoned pets and worked to ensure their safety and well-being.
According to a report by The Times of India, Ratan Tata’s estate, valued at over Rs 10,000 crore, includes designated assets for several beneficiaries.
These beneficiaries include the Ratan Tata Foundation, his brother Jimmy Tata, half-sisters Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy, and his loyal household staff.
In addition to ensuring Tito’s care, Tata also made arrangements for his long-serving butler, Subbiah, with whom he shared a close relationship for more than three decades.
The will also references Tata's executive assistant, Shantanu Naidu.
Tata relinquished his stake in Naidu's companionship venture, Goodfellows, while also covering Naidu’s educational expenses abroad.
Ratan Tata’s asset portfolio includes a 2,000-square-foot beach bungalow in Alibaug, Maharashtra, a two-storey residence on Juhu Tara Road in Mumbai, and fixed deposits exceeding Rs 350 crore.
He also held a 0.83 percent stake in Tata Sons, the parent company of the $165-billion Tata Group.
As per Tata Group's longstanding tradition of donating shares to charitable causes, Ratan Tata’s stake in Tata Sons will be transferred to the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF).
His interests in other Tata Group companies, such as Tata Motors, will also be redirected to RTEF.
Tata’s Colaba residence, Halekai, which he lived in until his passing, is owned by Ewart Investments, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons.
The future of this property will be decided by Tata Sons.
Additionally, Tata’s extensive collection of luxury vehicles, which are currently housed at Halekai and the Taj Wellington Mews service apartments in Colaba, is still under consideration.
Potential plans include their exhibition in a Tata Group museum in Pune or their auctioning.
The Juhu residence, which overlooks the beach and occupies a quarter-acre plot, was inherited by Ratan Tata and his family after the death of his father, Naval Tata.
The property has reportedly been closed for over 20 years, and discussions are ongoing regarding its possible sale.
The probate process for Tata’s will, which will be reviewed by the Bombay High Court, is expected to take several months to complete.
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