Balasaheb Thackeray -A symbol of national pride, an Icon, whose sheer presence would maintain discipline and bring about tremendous affection and love for the people of Mumbai and Maharashtra as a whole.The fiery speeches and the sheer persona created a face for Maharashtra and the people there felt safe and enjoyed the sense of calm and protective environment he created which other wise would have fallen in the wrong hands.,Mumbai is there because of him.
From a cartoonist who shared space with the likes of RK Laxman and also maintained the poise and composure that would send shivers through the stalwarts even on an Indian political platform.He had the personality that any youngster would love to follow.He was firm on his decisions, he had his views that were filled with passion and emotions and yet very rational cutting across political lines and keeping the nation ahead of dirty politics.His support for the Marathi people and the pride he took to see the rise of any Maharashtrian was phenomenal.I liked his decisions about Pranab Mukhrjee's candidature for the President of India, his composure when he backed the FDI decisions without politicizing it.Great statesman indeed.
I had the opportunity to visit' Matoshree' his residence and had an opportunity to meet him , Udhav and his son Aditya.Wonderful feeling and memories.I was representing a leading car brand, had to make a pitch to him and udhav and coax them to have one of these cars in their fleet.It was a privelege.It was the moment ,bigger than appearing for a final board exam.That day was even more memorable as there was a major announcement by a high court in which Balasaheb was to be a part of.The entire premises was a fortress.CRPF, Rapid action force, the police and in between we had to pass through these barricades and reach inside the heart of his abode.Removing my footwear and stepping into his house gave me an immense sense of pride and excitement.We were offered tea and snacks and I remember being a true Maharashtrian made a sales pitch in Marathi without the use of a single english word which actually comes to me more easily than my mother tongue ,especially the technical words.I have met many a politicians and film stars but nothing to beat the aura of Balasaheb Thackeray and Amitabh Bachchan.I gave udhav a test drive and it was a treat being escorted by black cat commandos in front and the rear and me sitting next to Udhav driving through the road of Bandra in a super premium brand.Wow.
I watched his last speech he gave on 24th October played on Times Now, and I was moved.I met him only once but the speech was very touching.It hit the very chord that stirred my emotions and I knew I am extremely touched, moved and sad at heart.Its a big loss to Mumbai, Maharashtra and India for sure.No doubts about it.His earnest appeal and his love for his people was felt in every word and his honest approach and request asking to support his son and grandson touched me the most.It will not be the same again for sure.Where Shivsena would move towards or how politics in Maharashtra would evolve is something to be seen.My dream would be Raj and Udhav joining hands and taking the political boat of Maharashtra through the rough waters to the calmer seas and keep sailing with its mast high and the flag flying with pride.
An epitome of strength, a fantastic cartoonist,and a rational person.His absence is going to be felt for sure in the years to come.He was a king maker and will always remain an Idol for many a shivsainiks and people from the current and next generations.
As a proud Maharashtrian and an Indian--I will miss him very much.I have tears in my eyes as i write this spontaneous post and even though he is not related, i not being remotely connected to shivsena, but somewhere I know that, this void is too big to fill.Jai Maharashtra.Jai hind.Long live his legacy.
From a cartoonist who shared space with the likes of RK Laxman and also maintained the poise and composure that would send shivers through the stalwarts even on an Indian political platform.He had the personality that any youngster would love to follow.He was firm on his decisions, he had his views that were filled with passion and emotions and yet very rational cutting across political lines and keeping the nation ahead of dirty politics.His support for the Marathi people and the pride he took to see the rise of any Maharashtrian was phenomenal.I liked his decisions about Pranab Mukhrjee's candidature for the President of India, his composure when he backed the FDI decisions without politicizing it.Great statesman indeed.
I had the opportunity to visit' Matoshree' his residence and had an opportunity to meet him , Udhav and his son Aditya.Wonderful feeling and memories.I was representing a leading car brand, had to make a pitch to him and udhav and coax them to have one of these cars in their fleet.It was a privelege.It was the moment ,bigger than appearing for a final board exam.That day was even more memorable as there was a major announcement by a high court in which Balasaheb was to be a part of.The entire premises was a fortress.CRPF, Rapid action force, the police and in between we had to pass through these barricades and reach inside the heart of his abode.Removing my footwear and stepping into his house gave me an immense sense of pride and excitement.We were offered tea and snacks and I remember being a true Maharashtrian made a sales pitch in Marathi without the use of a single english word which actually comes to me more easily than my mother tongue ,especially the technical words.I have met many a politicians and film stars but nothing to beat the aura of Balasaheb Thackeray and Amitabh Bachchan.I gave udhav a test drive and it was a treat being escorted by black cat commandos in front and the rear and me sitting next to Udhav driving through the road of Bandra in a super premium brand.Wow.
I watched his last speech he gave on 24th October played on Times Now, and I was moved.I met him only once but the speech was very touching.It hit the very chord that stirred my emotions and I knew I am extremely touched, moved and sad at heart.Its a big loss to Mumbai, Maharashtra and India for sure.No doubts about it.His earnest appeal and his love for his people was felt in every word and his honest approach and request asking to support his son and grandson touched me the most.It will not be the same again for sure.Where Shivsena would move towards or how politics in Maharashtra would evolve is something to be seen.My dream would be Raj and Udhav joining hands and taking the political boat of Maharashtra through the rough waters to the calmer seas and keep sailing with its mast high and the flag flying with pride.
An epitome of strength, a fantastic cartoonist,and a rational person.His absence is going to be felt for sure in the years to come.He was a king maker and will always remain an Idol for many a shivsainiks and people from the current and next generations.
As a proud Maharashtrian and an Indian--I will miss him very much.I have tears in my eyes as i write this spontaneous post and even though he is not related, i not being remotely connected to shivsena, but somewhere I know that, this void is too big to fill.Jai Maharashtra.Jai hind.Long live his legacy.
Indeed he was one of the great if not the greatest icon India has ever produced post independence . No one man has straddled so many generations; endured the adulation of scores of people not just in Maharashtra but entire nation and world and has not let popularity take away either his humility or his ability to connect not just with his admirers but more than that with causes that he has readily endorsed and supported. To call him a Neta would be to do disservice to him. To call him a superstar would be derogatory: he was just an outstanding human being with outstanding eye to serve his people for the causes he always stood for .
ReplyDeleteIt is not easy to be in the limelight for so long and with such intense gaze.
May His soul RIP