Meenatai Thackeray was the wife of Bal Thackeray, the founder of the Shiv Sena political party in India. She was born on December 23, 1938, in Nagpur, India, and passed away on October 19, 1996, in Mumbai, India, at the age of 57.
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Meenatai Thackeray was actively involved in social work and played a significant role in expanding the Shiv Sena’s reach across Maharashtra. She was known for her philanthropic work and efforts to empower women in the state. Meenatai Thackeray was also instrumental in shaping the ideology and direction of the Shiv Sena party.
Profile Summary
| Real name | Sarla Vaidya Note: She changed from Sarla Vaidya to Meena Thackeray after her marriage to Bal Thackeray on 13 June 1948. |
| Other name(s) | Maa-saheb, and Maa |
| Profession | Homemaker |
| Personal Life | |
| Date of Birth | 6 January 1932 (Wednesday) |
| Date of Death | 6 September 1995 |
| Place of Death | Karjat, Maharashtra |
| Age (at the time of death) | 63 Years |
| Death Cause | Heart Attack |
| Zodiac sign | Capricorn |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Religious Views | During an interview, Bal Thackeray spoke about his wife, “Meena, and shared that she was a deeply religious and devoted person. He recalled an incident where they had forgotten Meena’s emergency medicine bottle when they went to Karjat after attending a Ganesh Chaturthi function in Bombay. Bal Thackeray saw it as a test of their faith and left it to the gods and goddesses to remind Meena about the bottle. He believed that if she remembered it, then their faith would be affirmed, but if not, then they would be led astray“. |
| Address | Matoshree, Bandra-east, Mumbai |
| Relationships & More | |
| Marital Status (at the time of death) | Married |
| Marriage Date | 13 June 1948 |
Biography
Meenatai Thackeray, originally named Sarla Vaidya, was born on Wednesday, January 6, 1932, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Her zodiac sign was Capricorn, and she passed away at the age of 63. Meenatai was primarily a homemaker, but she played a crucial role behind the scenes in the formation of the Shiv Sena political party. Although she never actively participated in politics, her contributions were significant and instrumental to the party’s growth and success.
Family
Parents & Siblings
Little information is available about Meenatai Thackeray’s parents. However, it is known that her younger sister, Kunda Thackeray (also known as Madhuwanti), is married to Shrikant Thackeray, the brother of Bal Thackeray.
Husband & Children
Meenatai Thackeray tied the knot with Balasaheb Thackeray on June 13, 1948.
Meenatai Thackeray and Balasaheb Thackeray had three sons: Bindumadhav, Jaidev, and Uddhav Thackeray. Bindumadhav was a filmmaker who produced the Bollywood movie ‘Agni Sakshi,’ which starred Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, and Manisha Koirala.
However, Bindumadhav passed away in a car accident on April 20, 1996. Following in his father’s footsteps, Uddhav Thackeray entered politics and eventually became a prominent leader of the Shiv Sena party.
Religious Views
During an interview, Bal Thackeray spoke of his wife, Meena, describing her as a deeply devoted, pious, and religious person. He recounted an incident where they had attended a Ganesh Chaturthi function in Bombay, and upon leaving for Karjat, they had forgotten Meena’s emergency medicine bottle. For Bal Thackeray, this was a test of their faith, and he left it to the gods and goddesses to remind Meena of the bottle’s absence. He believed that if they were reminded of the bottle, their faith would be validated, but if not, then they would be led astray.
Cause Of Death
Meena Thackeray passed away on 6 September 1995 due to a heart attack in Karjat, Maharashtra. She had attended a Ganesh Chaturthi function in Mumbai but had forgotten her emergency medicine bottle when she went to Karjat.
Legacy
- Meena Thackeray’s legacy is that of a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker who played a significant role behind the scenes in the formation of Shiv Sena.
- Meena Thackeray’s passing was a great loss to her family, friends, and supporters. However, her influence and dedication to Shiv Sena continue to inspire and guide the party to this day.
- Meena Thackeray’s life and work symbolize the importance of women’s contributions in the political sphere. Despite not being an active politician herself, she played a critical role in the founding and growth of one of India’s most significant political parties.
- Meena Thackeray’s devotion to her family and faith was an inspiration to many. Her passing serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones while they are with us.
- Meena Thackeray’s memory lives on through the values she instilled in her children and the impact she had on the Shiv Sena party. Her legacy is one of strength, perseverance, and dedication to family and community.
