Bal Keshav Thackeray, also known as Balasaheb Thackeray, was born on January 23, 1926. Renowned as a political figure and cartoonist, he founded the Shiv Sena, a significant political party in India, to champion the interests of Maharashtrians in the state's politics. His father, Keshav Sitaram Thackeray, was involved in the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, influencing Balasaheb's philosophy. Starting his career as a cartoonist for the Free Press Popular Journal, he later established his political weekly, Marmik.

Thackeray, often called 'Tiger,' played a pivotal role in Maharashtra politics, implementing notable changes and making controversial decisions that impacted the country's political landscape. He gained fame for his political cartoons, initially signing them as 'Mava' in the Free Press Journal. Thackeray introduced the concept of 'Marathi Manoos,' becoming the symbol of Marathi pride and earning widespread adoration, leading to his moniker as the 'Tiger of Maharashtra.'