In an exclusive Livemint interview, Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy, half-sisters of the late Ratan Tata, shared their reflections on the business icon’s personal life and values and voiced their concerns about recent developments in the Tata Trusts.
Ratan Tata, the towering figure behind the Tata Group’s global success, passed away last year, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and dedication.
Known for his principled approach, he kept a clear line between family ties and business decisions. He never let his personal relationships influence how he ran the trusts or Tata Group, Deanna Jejeebhoy told Livemint. This belief in strict governance was echoed by both sisters, who recounted how Ratan’s decisions were always guided by what was right rather than who was related to him.
The tussle atop Tata Trusts
Recently, the Tata Trusts have been under the spotlight following changes in their board. The sisters expressed unease about what they described as “divisions” that have affected the trusts, particularly the removal of Mehli Mistry, a longstanding and trusted member of the trustees.
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However, the sisters did not stress too much on the developments, but one could say the concern in their voices was evident.
Beyond business, the sisters spoke warmly of their bond with Ratan Tata. “He was my mother’s favourite—hands down,” Shireen told Livemint.
However, Parsi Khabar highlighted Shireen’s concerns: “Ratan had many troubles over the last few years. But the future of the Trusts was what troubled him the most. He sometimes talked to us in confidence and expressed his concerns over the future of the Trusts.”
This media outing by the Jejeebhoy sisters came at a sensitive time for the Tata Trusts, as it faces public and government scrutiny from the rather public fallout between the Mehli Mistry and Noel Tata camps.
The sisters believe that the removal of trustee Vijay Singh from the Tata Sons board was a turning point in the recent split within Tata Trusts.
This division among trustees contributed directly to the split vote, which led to the rejection of Mehli Mistry as a lifetime trustee, Parsi Khabar noted.
Mehli Mistry was close to Ratan Tata
Shireen described Mehli Mistry as Ratan’s trusted confidant and an essential part of his inner circle. Mehli never hesitated to disagree with Ratan, and their relationship was built on mutual respect and genuine friendship, noted Shireen, stating how Mistry was deeply devoted to Ratan.
However, the sisters stressed that they are in no position to offer advice. “We don’t have any inside information.” But the concern for Ratan Tata’s legacy and reputation is real.