Inside Ratan Tata’s will: Estate worth Rs 10,000 cr, care for beloved dog Tito, waiver of Shantanu Naidu's loan
The dog, adopted six years ago after Tata's previous pet with the same name passed away, was very dear to the industrialist
Ratan Tata' will: Ratan Tata, industrialist-philanthropist and former Chairman of Tata Sons, ensured that his love and care extended beyond family in his will, which included provisions for his siblings, trusted staff, and even his beloved dog Tito. Tata, whose estate is valued at approximately Rs 10,000 crore, passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86. His assets will now be probated by the Bombay High Court.
According to The Times of India, Ratan Tata made special arrangements for his German Shepherd Tito, providing for "unlimited care." His longtime cook, Rajan Shaw, will be responsible for caring for Tito. The dog, adopted six years ago after Tata's previous pet with the same name passed away, was very dear to the industrialist.
Ratan Tata also left a share of his estate to his butler, Subbiah, who had worked with him for over three decades, and his executive assistant, Shantanu Naidu. Tata had also invested in Naidu's startup venture, Goodfellows, which focuses on providing companionship to the elderly. In his will, Tata relinquished his stake in Goodfellows and waived a loan Naidu had taken for his studies abroad.
In addition to these personal bequests, Tata's estate includes a 2,000-square-foot beach bungalow in Alibaug and a two-storey house on Juhu Tara Road, Mumbai. His fixed deposits are reported to exceed Rs 350 crore, and his 0.83% stake in Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, will be transferred to the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF).
Tata’s commitment to his house staff was widely known. On his travels abroad, he often bought designer clothes for his butler Subbiah and cook Rajan Shaw, treating them with the same care he showed his family.
Additionally, Tata’s awards and recognitions will be donated to the Tata Central Archives, ensuring that his contributions and legacy are preserved for future generations.
Tata's love for dogs was well-known, and his relationship with Naidu began due to their shared interest in supporting stray dogs. In 2023, Tata opened India's first Small Animal Hospital in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai, offering advanced care facilities like ICUs, HDUs, CT scans, and more for pets.
In 2018, Tata famously skipped an award ceremony where he was to be honoured by Prince Charles because one of his dogs was unwell. On learning the reason, Prince Charles commented, “That’s a man. That’s the man Ratan is. That’s why the house of Tata is what it is.”
Ratan Tata’s will reflects his kindness, generosity, and lifelong love for animals, ensuring that Tito and his trusted staff will be cared for, even in his absence.