Raj Thackeray, the chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), recently made headlines not just for his political presence, but also for his heartfelt engagement with notable personalities and celebratory events. One of the highlights was his sincere letter to social media influencer Ankita Prabhu Walawalkar, widely known as the 'Konkan Hearted Girl'.
On February 16, 2025, Ankita married musician Kunal Bhagat at a lavish ceremony attended by many celebrities, including fellow influencers and Bigg Boss contestants. Although she extended her wedding invitation personally to Thackeray at his residence, unfortunately, he could not attend due to prior commitments.
Thackeray expressed his remorse through a letter addressed to Ankita's father, which the bride later shared on her social media. The letter acknowledged the invitation and conveyed his gratitude, stating, "आपली कन्या चि. सौ. कां अंकिता हिच्या शुभ विवाहाचे आपण अगत्यपूर्वक पाठविलेलं निमंत्रण मिळालं, त्याबद्दल धन्यवाद. सदर मंगल सोहळ्यास उपस्थित राहण्यास निश्चित आनंद वाटला असता. परंतु पूर्वनियोजित दौऱ्यामुळे उपस्थित राहता येत नसल्यामुळे मी दिलगिरी व्यक्त करतो." He also wished the new couple happiness, prosperity, and success.
Asha Bhosle, the veteran playback singer, also shared her delight over her interactions with Thackeray and spoke about the importance of the Marathi language and culture. During one of the events, she recounted, "आशाताई मला तुम्ही २७ तारखेला काही झालं तरी संध्याकाळी ६ वाजता हव्यात" referencing Thackeray's excitement for the Marathi poetry reading event on February 27. Asha emphasized the richness and flexibility of the Marathi language, describing it as "मधाचा थेंब कानात पडल्यानंतर ओघळत ह्रदयापर्यंत जाऊन पोहोचतो".
On February 27, the poetry reading event took place, featuring various distinguished guests, aimed at reviving Marathi literature for the younger generation. Thackeray articulated the need to sustain Marathi literature, advocating for the importance of preserving literary works. He stated, "मराठी टिकवायची असेल तर तिचे साहित्य टिकविणे आवश्यक आहे." This sentiment was well-received by both attendees and literary enthusiasts alike.
Thackeray wasn't the only famous face present at recent events. Actor Vicky Kaushal, riding high on the success of his blockbuster film Chhaava, was spotted displaying humility by touching Asha Bhosle's feet, illustrating his respect for the eminent artist. Kaushal shared warm moments, including hugs with Raj Thackeray and fellow actors such as Riteish Deshmukh and Sonali Bendre, reinforcing the camaraderie within the film industry.
Kaushal's respectful demeanor captured no shortage of admiration, with fans highlighting his values on social media. With Chhaava achieving major commercial success, it showcases the interconnectedness of culture and cinema within Maharashtra's creative sphere. Only two weeks post-release, the film has crossed the Rs 400-crore mark, establishing itself among the year's heavyweights.
These public interactions underline the fabric of Marathi culture, showcasing prominent figures like Raj Thackeray and Asha Bhosle not only engaging with the youth but also inspiring reverence through their actions. With the growing prominence of events focused on Marathi language and literature, the continuity of this cultural legacy appears hopeful.
Thackeray's combination of political stature and cultural involvement suggests he remains committed to promoting the Marathi language and its artistic traditions. Through various public engagements and heartfelt communications, he reaffirms the importance of cultural preservation and celebrates the achievements within the regional cinema.
Raj Thackeray’s publicly visible persona, marked by respect for forthcoming talent and established icons, emphasizes unity and reverence within the Marathi community. His letter to Ankita, interactions at poetry events, and the communal embrace seen during recent gatherings reflect his dedication to fostering appreciation for his cultural roots.