Ratan Tata’s half-sisters – Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy – were daughters of his mother Soonoo from her second marriage to Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy.
Ratan Tata, a famous business tycoon and a remarkable human being, passed away at the age of 86 at a Mumbai hospital on 9 October, leaving behind an inspiring legacy. Known as a gentle businessman and remembered for his significant philanthropic contributions, Tata’s will was revealed days after his sad demise, detailing the distribution of his Rs 10,000 crore estate. In his will, Tata allocated portions of his wealth to his step-sisters Shireen and Diana Jejeebhoy, his brother Jimmy Tata, his loyal butler Subbiah, and his assistant Shantanu Naidu. As an animal lover, he also left a part of his estate to his pet dog, Tito. In keeping with Tata Group tradition, a substantial portion of his shares will go to the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF).
Ratan Tata’s Will Details:
Bequests to Step-Sisters
Ratan Tata has two half-sisters, Deanna and Shireen Jejeebhoy. They are from his mother, Soonoo’s second marriage to Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy. He was very close to both his sisters.
Notably, both the half-sisters have always been involved in philanthropy works. Earlier, Deanna was one of the trustees on the board of the Ratan Tata Trust in the 1990s and early 2000s. Deanna supported those with Down syndrome and autism. Shireen has also been involved in social work.
Tata left behind portions of his estate to his brother Jimmy Tata, step-sisters Shireen and Diana Jejeebhoy and his charity foundation.
Unlimited Care for Pet Dog Tito
Ratan Tata left a portion of his property for his German Shepherd pet dog, as per TOI. He adopted Tito five to six years ago. Now, Tata’s long time cook Rajan Shaw, will now look after Tito.
Provisions for Shantanu Naidu
In his will, Tata mentions his assistant Shantanu Naidu. Tata left his stake in Naidu’s company, Goodfellows, to him and forgave the personal loan Naidu took for overseas studies.
The bond they shared was special, fostered by a joint love for animals. Hailing from Pune, Naidu became an indispensable part of Tata’s office, RNT, post his education in the USA. Their collaboration resulted in many significant projects, with ‘Goodfellows’ standing out. Launched in 2022, it aimed at supporting senior citizens and was an endeavor close to Tata’s heart.
Shares in Tata Group Companies
The will mentions that Ratan Tata’s shares in Tata companies – Tata Sons and Tata Motors, will be transferred to the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF), a charitable organization led by Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran. Investments made by Tata through RNT Associates and RNT Advisors will be sold, with proceeds going to RTEF.
Properties and Cars
Tata lived in Colaba’s Halke House during his last days, This house is owned by Ewart Investments, a branch of Tata Sons, and its future is yet to be decided. Tata also owned a 2,000 sq. ft. bungalow in Alibaug, its fate also remains uncertain, and a two-story ancestral home on Juhu Tara Road in Mumbai. The Juhu house inherited after Naval Tata’s death. This house is currently unoccupied for the past 20 years.
Tata has an impressive array of 20-30 high-end cars parked in his house in Colaba and also at his Taj Wellington Mews apartment. These extravagant vehicles might possibly go under the hammer in an auction or be snapped up by the Tata Group for display in their Pune based museum.
Executors of the Will
Ratan Tata has elected his lawyer, Darius Khambata, and his association for a long time, Mehli Mistry, along with his step-sisters, Shireen and Diana Jejeebhoy, as the executors of his will. Besides, Mehli Mistry, who has been a dependable ally of Tata, also holds a trustee position in two well-known charitable trusts, the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust. They collectively hold a substantial 66% stake in Tata Sons.
Ratan Tata was born on December 28, 1937 and passed away on October 9 at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.