MUMBAI: 86-year-old politician Bal Thackeray was announced to have passed away on November 17, at 3:30 pm at his residence ‘Matoshree’ in Bandra, here.
“He had suffered a cardiac arrest. We could not revive him despite our best efforts. He breathed his last at around 3:30 PM,” confirmed Thackeray’s Doctor – Dr Jalil Parkar.
The cartoonist turned Shiv Sena leader, known for his strong views, had many friends and adorers amongst the Indian Film Industry. Mixed reports of his critical health and recovery have been heard since the past week, while son Uddhav appealed to the Shiv Sainiks “to maintain calm and pray for his father.”
Eminent personalities from both political world and Bollywood have been visiting the Thackeray residence ever since. Among them were Salman Khan with father Salim and brother Arbaaz, Amitabh Bachchan and family, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, actress Hema Malini, yesteryear stars Rakesh Roshan, Manoj Kumar, Jitendra.
While many of the Shiv Sainiks who were the first ones to hear the news immediately broke down into tears, Bollywood has expressed its sorrow through their tweets:
Amitabh Bachchan: Bala Saheb : “I sat by his bedside for hours these past few days, a prayer in my heart, watching him struggling to breathe, but fighting… And just a couple of hours back, as I stand next to his still, peaceful, saffron draped body, it is difficult to imagine…”
Anupam Kher: Just woke up in NY to d sad news about BalaSaheb. He’ll always remain larger than life. He was helpful, Courageous & a true Nationalist. BalaSaheb was one of the very few leaders in today’s times for whom Country came first. He did’t play games to be popular. Spoke straight.
Akshay Kumar: His demise has left a deep void in Indian politics,always admired him for his courage,The real Tiger. May strength be with his family. RIP BalaSaheb Thackeray.
Mahesh Bhatt: Memories of my childhood days of growing up in Shivaji Park invade me. The story of Mumbai is incomplete without Balasaheb Thackeray. Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them. The memory of Bal Thackeray will live in the memory of we Mubaikars forever.
Minissha Lamba: Its really sad to see one legend aft the other leave us in quick succession.. the world we know is changing too fast…
Hrithik Roshan: Today when I visited Matoshree had a silent prayer in my heart & the prayer continues. God bless Balasaheb’s soul. Strength to the family & well wishers.
Ram Gopal Varma: can’t ever forget the hug the real Sarkar gave me when he saw reel Sarkar…Bala saab was a true epitome of power in every sense of the word
Karan Johar: Thoughts and prayers with the Thackeray family….RIP balasaab…..
Neil Nitin Mukesh: RIP ! Balasaheb.
Kunal Kohli: Balasaheb will always live on.A great orator.An astute cartoonist. A voice of the people. A lion amongst men.
Madhur Bhandarkar: RIP Balasaaheb. He lived with great conviction in his believes, which led him to be a great leader. Wish strength to his family!
Dia Mirza: RIP Bala Saheb. Let there be peace.
Neha Dhupia: RIP BALASAHEB … Prayers and strength for the family.
Lata Mangeshkar: Aaj 3:30 baje, hindu hriday samrat, param adarniya Shri Balasaheb Thackeray hum logon ko chhodke anant mein vileen ho gaye. Yeh satya hai ki aaj Maharashtra anaath ho gaya. Unhone itne saalon se jo mahaan kaarya, aur Maharashtra ki sewa ki hai, aur Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ka naam Maharashtra mein zinda rakha, aisa kisi ne nahi kiya. Balasaheb ki pavitra aatma ko hum Mangeshkar koti-koti pranaam karte hain aur unki aatma ko Ishwar shanti de, yehi prarthana karte hain.
While Bollywood mourns, security has been stepped up in Mumbai city in the wake of Bal Thackeray’s death. The Sena supremo is survived by sons Jaidev and Uddhav, who is the Executive President of the party.
