While Ratan Tata is widely known for his philanthropic work, business ventures like the Nano, and his connection with ordinary people, few know about his younger brother, Jimmy Naval Tata, who leads an exceptionally low-key life despite being part of the industrialist family.
Who Is Jimmy Naval Tata?
Jimmy Naval Tata is the younger son of Naval Tata and his first wife, Sooni Commissariat. Born into one of India’s most influential business families, Jimmy has always preferred a private life away from the public eye. Unlike his elder brother Ratan, he did not pursue an active role in the Tata Group’s business operations.
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Despite this, he holds stakes in Tata Sons and several other major Tata companies, including Tata Steel, TCS, Tata Motors, and Tata Power. He is also a trustee of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT), contributing to the philanthropic legacy of the family without seeking attention
A Simple Lifestyle
At the age of 85, Jimmy Tata is known for his modest lifestyle. Reports indicate that he resides in a 2-BHK flat in Mumbai’s Colaba area, preferring simplicity over grandeur. Surprisingly, he does not even own a mobile phone, a rare choice for someone from a high-profile business family.
In a throwback post shared by Ratan Tata in 2023, he recalled childhood memories with Jimmy, emphasizing the close bond they shared. Similarly, Harsh Goenka shared in 2022 that Jimmy was always a tough competitor in squash matches.
Role in Tata Trusts
While Jimmy Tata is a trustee at the SRTT, he keeps a low profile in formal board discussions. According to reports, he rarely participates in votes or official meetings. For instance, he was not present at the October 2025 annual meeting where Mehli Mistry’s reappointment as a lifelong trustee was discussed.
Currently, Jimmy resides in Pune, continuing to balance his responsibilities as a trustee with his preference for privacy. Though not actively running the family business, his stakes in Tata companies and his role in SRTT make him an important part of the Tata legacy.
A Life Away from Spotlight
Jimmy Tata’s life demonstrates that wealth and influence do not necessarily dictate lifestyle choices. While the Tata name is synonymous with power, philanthropy, and enterprise, Jimmy’s simplicity and low-profile approach offer a rare glimpse of humility within one of India’s most prominent industrial families.
