“I Want to Enter Politics, but Saheb Tells Me to Wait”

One of the most newsworthy political bahus, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray’s daughter-in-law, Smita Thackeray, gets candid

One of the most newsworthy political bahus and owner of a flourishing film and TV production house, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray’s daughter-in-law, Smita Thackeray, gets candid about everything except her age.

Q What is your relationship with Bal Thackeray now that you are divorced from his son (Jaidev)?

A Though legally I am separated from his son, I continue to live in the same house with my children. Saheb has been a pillar of strength. He told me I must not leave the household even though I am divorced from his son. Saheb is a very broad-minded person. He is a soft-hearted and family-oriented man. This quality makes him more attractive. He is also a generous person and indulges all the children.

Q Outside Matoshree, your father-in-law’s word is known as the roar. How is he within the four walls?

A After a certain age, every person becomes like a child. All of us go to him every day and seek his blessings. Sometimes, he gives you a long blessing. I don’t know what he says but I like the feel of the blessings. I feel very sad to see him weakening physically. But he has a razor-sharp mind.

Q You had spoken about being scared about your own safety and that of your children. Is the situation still the same?

A Yes, I am still scared.

Q The Shiv Sena needs women leaders, yet you are being sidelined. Why?

A I do not know the reason. I keep telling Saheb that I want to enter politics but he keeps asking me to wait. I do not question his decision and I know that he will give the green signal when the time is right. Though I have got offers from other parties, I do not want to hurt Saheb by joining them.

Q Given your political ambitions and the close ties you share with Raj Thackeray, what is your relationship with Uddhav?

A It is not that Uddhav is wrong or Raj is wrong. They just cannot get along. At Matoshree, we live on separate floors. Earlier, we lived in one large house with one kitchen, so we met more often. Now we meet on occasions. Maybe he (Uddhav) too thinks that the time is not right for me to join politics.

Q Is it because you are close to Raj that Uddhav is keeping the decision on hold?

A Yes, this could have been the right time [to join politics]. But Saheb knows best. I have been a bahu of the Thackeray family for 25 years. I used to know both Uddhav and Raj closely. Let’s wait and watch.

Q How is life without the support of a companion?

A I am lucky to have the support of the strongest man of Maharashtra—Saheb.

Q Don’t you feel the need of a companion? Does the Thackeray name make this difficult for you?

A I will not get married again. And I am not a person who believes in affairs. One advantage of my surname is that even if someone has the intention to do something, they will not dare.

Q After all the uproar about you and Sonu Nigam, is it easy to interact with him now?

A People made up stories as I was an easy target. I was very close to Sonu’s family and we did lot of things together. (Pause) We are still friends but it is not the same. Recently, we were together on Radio Mirchi for the promotion of my film and I thought that speculation will start again. I am trying to move on, and do not want any muck to stick on me.

About The Author

Haima Deshpande