When we mention Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the first Field Marshal of India, one of the most renowned military commanders of all time, the name of his wife, Silloo Manekshaw (born Silloo Bode), always lights beside it. She was not only the wife of an epic fighter, but a brilliant, elegant, and artistic woman. Silloo was a painter, socio worker and humanitarian, who devoted her life to social welfare of the society at the same time she was the cornerstone of her family. She was an elegant, compassionate, and strong woman in her life which makes her one of the most inspirational people of the Indian military history behind the scenes.
Who Was Silloo Manekshaw (Silloo Bode)?
Silloo Manekshaw was a renowned painter, theatre lover and a social activist. Although she is to be remembered as the wife of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, she also created her own identity in the service of the community and her interest in the arts. She organized charity programs in Coonoor, acted in plays and employed her creativity to raise funds to benefit social programs. She represented the power of a partner who was able to not only sustain her husband in the strenuous military services but also participate in the society.
Silloo Bode Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Silloo Bode |
| Also Known As | Silloo Manekshaw |
| Profession | Artist, Painter, Social Worker |
| Famous For | Wife of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Community Welfare |
| Date of Birth | 1911 |
| Place of Birth | Amritsar, Punjab, India |
| Date of Death | 13 February 2001 |
| Age at Death | 90 Years |
| Cause of Death | Lung Cancer |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Amritsar, Punjab |
| Place of Death | Tamil Nadu, India |
| Education | Elphinstone College & Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai |
| Hobbies | Painting, Theatre, Social Work, Reading, Travelling, Music |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Marriage Date | 22 April 1939 |
| Spouse | Sam Manekshaw (Field Marshal, Indian Army) |
| Children | Maja Daruwala & Sherry Batliwala |
| Notable Residence | “Stavka” Bungalow, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu |
Physical Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’5” (165 cm) |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Eye Colour | Black |
Known for her elegance, Silloo carried herself with grace and sophistication throughout her life.
Silloo Bode Early Life and Education
Silloo Bode was born in 1911 in Amritsar in Punjab in a well cultured and educated family. The environment that she had been raised in appreciated tradition as well as creativity. She later relocated to Mumbai where she graduated from Elphinstone College. Her interest in art saw her continue her learning at the Sir J.J. School of Art which is one of the most academic institutions of art in India. This institutional training influenced her passion in painting and expression in art which turned into a lifetime activity.
Family Background
Silloo was in a well educated family. She had a sister living in Lahore where she was married to a doctor in the British Indian Army. She retained her values of discipline, learning and compassion in her family which affected her upbringing of her children in future. She had her family grounded on deeds of humility and culture despite the fact that she was married to one of the most legendary military leaders in India.
Marriage and Relationship with Sam Manekshaw
In 1937, Silloo encountered Sam Manekshaw in a social event in Lahore. They became closer to each other in the following two years, and they got married on 22 April 1939. Their union was a lifelong experience of over 60 years of loving, respecting, and being witty and strong.
Sam used to tell her that Silloo was the star of their family, and he was occupied in serving the country. She not only supported him most, but was his most sincere critic. As their daughter, Sherry at one point mentioned that Silloo would remind Sam of the fact that the man was a simple peasant, and his exalted status in the army never made him forget the fact that he was still on the ground. Their marriage is remembered as a perfect marriage, one that is equal in love, humor and strength.
Career and Social Contributions
After not following the traditional route in terms of career, Silloo left a trace in the sphere of painting, directing the theatre, and philanthropy. She started a charitable clinic for the poor and the aged in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu where the couple finally moved into.
She also had a strong interest in arts, that is, she directed plays at the Defence Services Staff College and sold her paintings to sponsor social causes. Through her creativity and social influence, she served her communities by making them rise higher. Her biography demonstrates that art and compassion can be united to form a significant change.
Silloo Bode Children and Grandchildren
Silloo and Sam Manekshaw were blessed with two daughters:
- Maja Daruwala – A renowned lawyer and human rights activist.
- Sherry Batliwala – A retired corporate professional.
They also had three grandchildren:
- Jehan Sam – A theatre artist based in Mumbai.
- Raoul Sam – A businessman living in the USA.
- Brandy Batliwala – Works in the hospitality sector in New York.
Her children and grandchildren carried forward her legacy of excellence and service in different fields.
Silloo Bode Legacy and Personality
Silloo Manekshaw is remembered as a graceful, powerful and culturally endowed woman. She adored western classical music, designed and decorated their residence at Coonoor titled Stavka and was appreciated in her elegance. According to her friends and family, she was outspoken, witty, and supportive; one who had her husband down to earth and kept her family close together.
Her contribution to the society and the support she gave to one of the greatest military leaders of India is still remembered even now.
Controversies
Silloo was not involved in politics and scandals. Nevertheless, in her family, she was reputed to be outgoing and open. She never shied in providing direct feedback to her husband, which on some occasions raised eyebrows but brought out her honesty and sound character.
Silloo Bode Death
Silloo Manekshaw died on 13 February 2001 aged 90 following a struggle with lung cancer. She was interred in Ooty, in Parsi Cemetery, Tamil Nadu. Her passing is close to the close of an epoch, yet her work as an artist, philanthropist, and loving companion still gives hope to many.
Unknown Facts about Silloo Bode
- She even designed and decorated the Stavka bungalow in Coonoor herself.
- Adored listening to Western classical music in the morning.
- Operated a charitable medical centre for the needy in Coonoor.
- Directed plays and sold her paintings to earn money to spend on community welfare
- As the 2023 film, Sam Bahadur, depicts and is played by a guest actress, Sanya Malhotra.
FAQs
She was an Indian artist, social worker, and the wife of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.
She was an artist, a lover of theatre, and a philanthropist.
She passed on 13 February 2001 at the age of 90 because of lung cancer.
Two of her daughters were Maja Daruwala and Sherry Batliwala.
She ran a charitable clinic, directed plays, sold paintings for charity, and supported welfare initiatives in Tamil Nadu.
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