Who Is Bal Thackeray? Age, Biography and Wiki
Bal Thackeray was born on January 23, 1926, and he passed away on November 17, 2012, at the age of 86. He was an Indian politician and cartoonist known for founding the Shiv Sena, a regional political party based in Maharashtra, India. Thackeray was a prominent and controversial figure in Indian politics, known for his strong nationalist and pro-Marathi sentiments. His charisma and political strategies made significant impacts on the state's political landscape, influencing both his followers and detractors.
| Occupation | Religious Leader |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 23, 1926 |
| Age | 86 Years |
| Birth Place | Poona, Bombay Presidency, British India (present-day Pune, Maharashtra, India) |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 17 November, 2012 |
| Died Place | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Popularity
Bal Thackeray's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Information regarding Bal Thackeray's physical stature is relatively less documented, given that his focus was largely on political matters rather than personal appearances. However, it is generally reported that he stood around 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. His weight fluctuated throughout his life, especially in his later years, where he battled health issues owing to his age and lifestyle choices.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Bal Thackeray was married to Meena Thackeray, with whom he had three children – Balasaheb, Uddhav, and Raj Thackeray. His family continues to have a significant presence in Indian politics, particularly through Uddhav Thackeray, who took over the leadership of Shiv Sena following Bal Thackeray's death. While Bal Thackeray was known for his marriage and family life, there are no known records of any extramarital relationships or affairs during his lifetime.
Thackeray began his professional career as a cartoonist with the English-language daily, The Free Press Journal in Bombay, but he left the paper in 1960 to form his own political weekly, Marmik.
His political philosophy was largely shaped by his father Keshav Sitaram Thackeray, a leading figure in the Samyukta Maharashtra (United Maharashtra) movement, which advocated the creation of a separate linguistic state for Marathi speakers. Through Marmik, Bal Thackeray campaigned against the growing influence of non-Marathis in Mumbai.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2012, Bal Thackeray's net worth was estimated to be in the range of tens of millions of dollars. His wealth primarily derived from his political career, real estate investments, and his work as a cartoonist and media personality. While exact figures may vary, it is believed that he earned a substantial income through his political position and affiliations, as well as his ownership of a media empire that included the newspaper 'Saamana'.
Career, Business and Investments
Bal Thackeray's career was marked by his role as a politician, cartoonist, and media mogul. He founded the Shiv Sena in 1966, initially to promote the rights of Marathi-speaking people in Mumbai. Over the years, the party grew in popularity, and Thackeray became a central figure in Maharashtra's political scene.
In addition to his political journey, Thackeray also ventured into various businesses, primarily within the media industry. He was known for his editorial work and cartooning, using his platform to influence public opinion and rally support for his causes. His media outlets have left a lasting impact on the political environment in Maharashtra.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Thackeray built the Shiv Sena with help of Madhav Mehere, Chief Attorney for Trade Union of India, Babasaheb Purandare, historian for Govt of Maharashtra and Madhav Deshpande, Head Accountant for Shiv Sena.These three individuals to a large extent were responsible for the success of Shiv Sena and stability of poli
tics in Mumbai till 2000 to ensure it grows into an economic power center.
Thackeray was also the founder of the Marathi-language newspaper Saamana. After the riots of 1992–93, he and his party took a Hindutva stance.
In 1999, Thackeray was banned from voting and contesting in any election for six years on the recommendations of the Election Commission for his controversial speeches, tactics & a fearless image.Thackeray was arrested multiple times and spent a brief stint in prison, but he never faced any major legal repercussions.Thackeray had an image of a hard
core regional dictator, godfather & controlled the state with an iron hand.
Upon his death, he was accorded a state funeral, at which many mourners were present.
Thackeray did not hold any official positions, and he was never formally elected as the leader of his party but still controlled the party and state that left a nationwide ideological impact that is still seen today in current rulling right wing parties & paramilitary organisations in India.
Social Network
Although social media as we know it today was not prevalent during Bal Thackeray's lifetime, he had a strong presence in traditional media. His opinions and editorial cartoons resonated with millions, showcasing his views on contemporary issues. The Shiv Sena party, which he founded, maintains an active social media presence to this day, continuing to share his ideologies and engage with young voters.
On 27 March 2008, in protest to Thackeray's editorial, leaders of Shiv Sena in Delhi resigned, citing its outrageous conduct towards non-Marathis in Maharashtra and announced that they would form a separate party.
Addressing a press conference, Shiv Sena's North India chief Jai Bhagwan Goyal said the decision to leave the party was taken because of the partial attitude of the party high command towards Maharashtrians.
Goyal further said that Shiv Sena is no different from Khalistan and Jammu and Kashmir militant groups which are trying to create a rift between people along regional lines. The main aim of these forces is to split our country. Like the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, the Shiv Sena too has demeaned North Indians and treated them inhumanely.
Education
Bal Thackeray's educational background includes attending Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai, where he honed his skills in cartooning and illustration. His artistic talents played a significant role in shaping his political career, allowing him to express his views creatively and influence public sentiment through visual media.
Thackeray was called Hindū Hṛdaya Samrāṭa (lit. 'Emperor of Hindu Hearts') by his supporters. His yearly address at Shivaji Park was popular among his followers. In 2012, he instead gave a video-taped speech and urged his followers "to give the same love and affection to his son and political heir Uddhav as they had given him".
Thackeray was known to convert popular sentiment into votes, getting into controversies and making no apologies for it though his son has tried to tone down the party's stance after his death. He was known for his inflammatory writings, was seen as a good orator who used cruel humour to engage his audience.
He had a large political influence throughout the state, especially in Mumbai. His party never had any formal internal elections nor was he ever formally elected as its chief at any point.
Gyan Prakash said, "Of course, the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement had mobilized Marathi speakers as a political entity, but it was Thackeray who successfully deployed it as an anti-immigrant, populist force." He inspired Baliram Kashyap the leader of Bastar who often regarded as the Thackeray of Bastar.
