Ratan Tata Leaves £91 Million Fortune to His Beloved Dog in Unprecedented Will

Ratan Tata’s Shocking Will: £91 Million Estate Gifted to Beloved Dog in Historic Decision

Indian industrialist Ratan Tata, who recently passed away at the age of 86, made headlines with his unusual will, which allocates a significant portion of his estimated £91 million fortune to his cherished German shepherd, Tito. Mr. Tata, renowned for transforming the Tata Group into a global powerhouse, passed away in a Mumbai hospital earlier this month.

Given the customary practice in India of leaving estates to family members, his decision to bypass his brother, Jimmy Tata, and half-sisters Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy in favor of his pet is remarkable.

In his will, Tata specifically instructed that provisions be made to ensure Tito receives “unlimited care” following his passing. This decision reflects Mr. Tata’s long-standing affection for animals; he was known for instructing the staff at Tata Group’s headquarters to never turn away stray animals. His dedication to animal welfare is underscored by his generous bequest not only to Tito but also to his former butler and cook, both in their 50s, who are tasked with caring for the dog. A close friend of Tata, Suhel Seth, revealed that the provisions for Tito’s caretakers are substantial enough to ensure they will never have to work again.

Seth emphasized that this will was not merely a testament to Tata’s wealth but rather a heartfelt gesture of gratitude for the joy and companionship he received from his pets and close aides throughout his life. The announcement of Mr. Tata’s death drew an outpouring of tributes, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling him “a visionary business leader” and Google CEO Sundar Pichai praising his extraordinary contributions to business and philanthropy.

Born in Bombay in 1937, Tata initially aspired to be an architect. However, upon his grandmother’s request, he returned to India to join the family business. His journey began in 1962 at TISCO (now Tata Steel), where he worked as an apprentice. After taking the helm of the Tata Group in 1991, Tata oversaw significant expansions, including acquiring British luxury brands Jaguar and Land Rover. Under his leadership, the Tata Group evolved into a vast conglomerate, comprising nearly 100 companies and employing over 350,000 people globally.