Rebecca Manzi Ratan Tata left a large part of his fortune, estimated at 110 million euros, to his German shepherd to guarantee him unlimited care. The remainder will be divided between the cook and the butler
@ratantata/Instagram
The world was shocked by the death of Indian magnate Ratan Tata, who died on October 9 at the age of 86 years, not only because a great visionary was lost but also because of his strange will. Tata wanted to bequeath the lion’s share in his estate, estimated at approximately $120 million to an unexpected heir: his German Shepherd, Tito. It was an unusual but meaningful act to make sure “unlimited care” was accorded to the dog which had kept him company in his last days.
A lifetime dedication to animals
Tata, who never married and had no children, was popularly known for his love of animals. From the compassionate attention that he paid to the stray dogs that came within the periphery of Bombay House to innumerable philanthropic gestures for animal welfare, one could find his love there. In 2018, Tata even refused a high civic honor bestowed at the Buckingham Palace to stay by the side of one of his ill pets, which spoke volumes about his dedication and commitment to the animals in his life.
Providing for loyal companions and close staff
In addition to Tito, Tata’s will also made two loyal staff members beneficiaries of his – chef Rajan Shaw and butler cum general assistant Konar Subbiah – who is now to serve as Tito’s guardians. Generous to the end, the tycoon saw to it that they would never have to work again to support themselves because of their many years of service and loyalty.
No provisions for immediate family
“He always treated his animals and staff as integral parts of his family“, said Suhel Seth, a close friend of Tata, as he described the will not as an act of lavishness, but “a gesture of gratitude” for the love and loyalty he got from them.
The will of Tata has created controversy in India and abroad. In a country like India, which is so deeply enrooted in family tradition and where it is common to keep wealth within the family, leaving such a lion’s share of his fortune to a pet is a very courageous and brave departure from the norm.
The fact that direct relatives like his brother Jimmy, and half-sisters Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy, are excluded in Tata’s will reflects his independent and maverick personality.
Ultimately, Tata’s legacy speaks to his unwavering love for animals and the desire to secure a safe future for those closest to him. His final act ensures that Tito, unlike so many pets when their owner dies, will not be left abandoned or end up in some shelter. Instead, Tata’s loyal friends will continue to be cared for with the same love he has shown them while living.
