Raj Thackeray Family Tree: The Story Behind Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's Founder

Raj Shrikant Thackeray, born 14 June 1968 in Bombay (Mumbai), India, is the founder and President of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS, founded 9 March 2006) — split from Shiv Sena after Uddhav was chosen as Bal Thackeray's successor.

The Family's Roots: The Thackeray Dynasty

The Thackeray family is Maharashtra's most-distinguished political dynasty.

His Parents

Father: Shrikant Thackeray — Bal Thackeray's younger brother; classical music composer; Hindi-Marathi film music director.

Mother: Kundatai Thackeray — sister of Bal Thackeray's wife Meena (so Raj's mother and Uddhav's mother are sisters).

His Cousin: Uddhav Thackeray

Uddhav Thackeray (b. 27 July 1960) — Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray's son; former Maharashtra CM.

His Wife: Sharmila Wagh

Sharmila Wagh — Marathi background; daughter of Marathi filmmaker Mohan Wagh. Married Raj in December 1990.

Their Children

Amit Thackeray, born 1992 — son; MNS leader; contested 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections from Mahim.

Urvashi Thackeray, born 1996 — daughter.

The Thackeray Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Shrikant Thackeray — music composer; Bal's younger brother.

Mother: Kundatai Thackeray — sister of Bal's wife Meena.

Uncle: Bal Thackeray (1926–2012) — Shiv Sena founder.

Cousin: Uddhav Thackeray (b. 27 July 1960).

Wife: Sharmila Wagh (m. December 1990).

Children: Amit Thackeray (b. 1992) — MNS politician; Urvashi Thackeray (b. 1996).

Raj Thackeray:

  • Born 14 June 1968, Bombay
  • JJ School of Art (cartoonist; like his uncle Bal)
  • Worked at Shiv Sena from the 1980s; built Shiv Udyog Sena for youth employment
  • 2005: split from Shiv Sena after Uddhav was chosen as Bal's heir
  • Founded MNS: 9 March 2006
  • MNS MLAs in 2009: 13 seats; subsequent declines
  • 2024: ally of BJP for Lok Sabha elections; son Amit lost Mahim Assembly seat
  • Famous for Marathi-bhumi-putra politics; periodic anti-North Indian rhetoric

What the Thackeray Family Story Teaches Us

A father who was a music composer. A mother who was Bal Thackeray's sister-in-law. A cousin (Uddhav) who got the Shiv Sena leadership. A 2005 family split that birthed a new party. A son now contesting elections.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Raj story carries the same lesson. Some family records hold cousin rivalries that split parties.

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