In a surprising twist to the late Ratan Tata’s Rs 10,000 crore will, Shantanu Naidu—his trusted assistant and close confidante—has emerged as a beneficiary. While the bulk of Tata’s estate is set to bolster the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation, Naidu’s inclusion sheds light on their unique bond, rooted in mutual respect and a shared love for dogs.

Naidu, a Pune native, began his journey at Tata Elxsi after earning his engineering degree from Savitribai Phule Pune University. His professional arc soared after an MBA from Cornell, eventually leading him back to India as Ratan Tata’s executive assistant. But Naidu wasn’t just another name on the Tata payroll; he founded Goodfellows, a startup offering companionship to senior citizens—a venture Tata not only funded but also relinquished his stake in as part of Naidu’s inheritance.

Financially, Naidu’s story is one of remarkable ascent. Before his inclusion in Tata’s will, his net worth was primarily tied to Goodfellows, valued at around Rs 5 crore. However, with Tata forgiving Naidu’s education loans and transferring his stake in the startup, Naidu’s financial standing has taken a considerable leap. While exact figures post-inheritance remain under wraps, these moves suggest his net worth could comfortably surpass previous estimates, positioning him well beyond the startup sphere.

Adding to his growing portfolio, Naidu recently announced his new role as General Manager, Head of Strategic Initiatives at Tata Motors. This appointment holds a sentimental value for him, as he fondly recalls, “I remember when my father used to walk home from the Tata Motors plant, in his white shirt and navy pants, and I would wait for him in the window. It comes full circle now.”

Their relationship went beyond professional ties—Tata even made provisions for his beloved German Shepherd, Tito, ensuring lifelong care. Following Tata’s passing, Naidu shared a heartfelt tribute: “The hole that this friendship has now left with me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to fill. Grief is the price to pay for love. Goodbye, my dear lighthouse.”

This personal touch highlights just how deeply Naidu was woven into Tata’s life. With a career rooted in social entrepreneurship and a legacy now intertwined with one of India’s most revered industrialists, Shantanu Naidu’s future looks both bright and impactful.