Raj Thackeray

Raj Thackeray is an Indian politician known for his strong advocacy for the Marathi community. He was born on 14 June 1968 in Mumbai to Shrikant Thackeray, a musician, and Kunda Thackeray, who raised him in a home filled with Marathi culture. He is the nephew of Bal Thackeray, the founder of the Shiv Sena party. Growing up under the guidance of his uncle, Raj developed a keen interest in politics and eventually founded his own political party, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

Raj Thackeray graduated from the JJ School of Arts and began his career as a cartoonist for Marmik, a weekly magazine started by Bal Thackeray. He began his political career by forming the Bharatiya Vidyarthi Sena, the student wing of the Shiv Sena.

He was associated with the Shiv Sena until 2006, when he decided to create the MNS. His approach to politics has been controversial, with accusations of using aggressive tactics to promote his ethnocentric views in Maharashtra.

Raj Thackeray has been involved in several significant events and movements throughout his political career:

- In early 2008, he led a violent campaign against North Indians, particularly targeting people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

- His party, along with Shiv Sena, protested against Australian cricketers participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in Mumbai, following attacks on Indian students in Australia.

- In September 2008, MNS workers began to blacken English signboards to promote the use of Marathi signs.

- He made headlines when he threatened to ban all films featuring actor Amitabh Bachchan unless his wife, Jaya, apologised for stating that people from Uttar Pradesh speak Hindi rather than Marathi. MNS workers attacked cinemas showing Bachchan's films until Amitabh apologised.

- On 2 October 2009, MNS workers disrupted the screening of the film Wake Up Sid because it referred to Mumbai as "Bombay."

In addition to politics, Raj has a passion for music and writing. He learned to play several musical instruments, including the tabla, guitar, and violin, during his childhood. He also enjoys writing blogs.

He is married to Sharmila Thackeray, the daughter of Marathi cinema photographer and producer Mohan Wagh. The couple has two children, Amit and Urvashi Thackeray. Amit has an interest in politics and is beginning to follow in his father's footsteps. He contested the Mahim seat in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections.

Raj Thackeray's estimated net worth is around Rs. 50 crore, which he has earned through his political career and various business ventures. His lifestyle reflects his wealth, as he enjoys luxury cars. He is often seen driving a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or a Toyota Land Cruiser LC300, both known for their comfort and style.