Ratan Tata’s will ensures lifetime care for beloved dog, provisions for longtime staff

Ratan Tata, the visionary behind one of India’s most respected industrial empires, left a legacy that extended beyond corporate strategy and philanthropy to include a deeply personal gesture — ensuring a lifetime of care for his beloved German Shepherd, Tito.

According to a TOI report, Tata’s will makes special provisions for Tito’s “unlimited” care, delegating this responsibility to his loyal cook, Rajan Shaw, who has been entrusted with maintaining the bond that Tata himself cherished.

In addition to his dog, Tata’s will also provides for his butler, Subbiah, with whom he shared a friendship spanning three decades.

Tata's estate is estimated at over ₹10,000 crore, with assets bequeathed to family members, staff, and his charitable foundation. This includes a 2,000-square-foot beach bungalow in Alibaug, a two-story house on Juhu Tara Road in Mumbai, fixed deposits exceeding ₹350 crore, and a 0.83% stake in Tata Sons, the holding company of the $165-billion Tata Group. His stake will be transferred to the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF).

The iconic residences and a storied car collection

Among Tata’s assets is the Halekai house in Colaba, Mumbai, which he designed himself. Though its future will be decided by Tata Sons’ subsidiary Ewart Investments, the Alibaug beach bungalow, another property designed by Tata, remains a question mark in terms of its legacy. His Juhu house, a beach-facing property, has been closed for two decades but could see new life under plans to sell the property, which was inherited by Tata and his family after the passing of his father, Naval Tata.

Tata’s passion for cars, especially luxury models, is well-known, with a personal collection of 20–30 cars housed across his properties. Options are reportedly being considered for these vehicles, including a possible acquisition by Tata Group to display them in a Pune museum or even auctioning some models.

Entrusting his legacy

Ratan Tata appointed lawyer Darius Khambata and close associate Mehli Mistry, along with half-sisters Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy, as executors of his will. Mistry, who has long been a confidant and trustee on Tata’s major charitable boards, will oversee the careful stewardship of Tata’s legacy. Following Tata's passing on October 9 at age 86, his half-brother Noel Tata succeeded him as chairman of Tata Trusts, which collectively hold a 66% stake in Tata Sons.