Balasaheb Thackeray was an influential Indian politician and the founder of the Shiv Sena, a regional political party in Maharashtra. Born on January 23, 1926, he initially worked as a cartoonist before entering politics. Thackeray was known for his strong advocacy of Marathi pride and his focus on the rights of the local population. Thackeray played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Mumbai and was a prominent figure in the Hindutva movement. He served as the party's chief until his death on November 17, 2012, leaving a lasting impact on the state's politics and society.