Ratan Tata’s Rs 10,000-Crore Will: Shantanu Naidu Set to Inherit, Assets to Support Charitable Foundations

Shantanu Naidu, a close associate of the late industrialist Ratan Tata, is expected to receive a portion of Tata’s Rs 10,000-crore will, as reported by Media. Additionally, Tata, who recently passed away, relinquished his stake in Naidu’s companionship venture, Goodfellows, and waived Naidu’s overseas education expenses.

The will reportedly specifies that Tata’s assets—including a 2,000 square-foot beach bungalow in Alibaug, a Juhu Tara Road residence, and fixed deposits exceeding Rs 350 crore—will be distributed among beneficiaries, with a large portion dedicated to the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF). This foundation will also inherit Tata’s 0.83% stake in Tata Sons, the holding company of the $165-billion Tata Group.

Shantanu Naidu’s Unique Bond with Ratan Tata

Naidu, a Pune-based professional, formed a close bond with Tata over their shared love of animals, especially dogs. Their connection eventually led Naidu to work for Tata in his private office, the Office of RNT. Beyond his daily responsibilities, Naidu launched several social impact initiatives, notably Goodfellows—a companionship service for seniors started in 2022—which Tata personally attended despite his declining health.

Ratan Tata’s Personal Estate

Among Tata’s personal assets is the Halekai house in Colaba, managed by Ewart Investments, a subsidiary of Tata Sons. The future of this residence, where Tata lived until his passing, will be determined by Ewart. The fate of the Alibaug property, also designed by Tata, remains uncertain. Tata’s Juhu beachside house, inherited from his father Naval Tata, has been closed for over two decades with plans for a sale underway.

Tata’s collection of 20-30 luxury cars, stored at Halekai and the Taj Wellington Mews apartments, may either be acquired by the Tata Group for display in its Pune museum or auctioned off.

Despite his pivotal role in Tata Group, Ratan Tata was not listed among the wealthiest due to his limited personal holdings in group companies. His will is anticipated to undergo probate in the Bombay High Court, a process that may span several months.