Mumbai: On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, noted film producer and social worker Smita Thackeray, founder and president of Mukkti Foundation, celebrated the festival of lights by distributing school bags to underprivileged children from slum areas.
Smita Thackeray, who has been tirelessly working for women’s safety and education for many years, continues her dedicated efforts toward empowering underprivileged children. Recently, she launched the Mukkti Cultural Hub in schools - an initiative aimed at teaching dance, drama, and acting to children living in slums, nurturing their creative potential.
The daughter-in-law of the late Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray, Smita Thackeray personally interacted with the children during the event, gifting them school bags and motivating them to pursue education sincerely.
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Apr 14, 2026“I have immense love for children. I always try to do something meaningful for them. I often visit schools and slum areas to spend time with them. Seeing their smiling faces gives me happiness, and showing them love encourages them and builds their confidence. Many of them even danced with me. Apart from regular schooling, I want them to learn dance, drama, singing, and acting - because every child has a unique talent. They just need guidance and support to shine and reach their goals,” Smita said.
She further added, “Even if someone is born poor, they shouldn’t remain poor forever. I always tell the children that if they work hard with determination and focus on their goals, success will surely follow.”
Mukkti Foundation, under Smita Thackeray’s leadership, has been working in the fields of education, health, and social welfare for over 28 years. Speaking about the journey, she shared,
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Apr 12, 2026“Balasaheb Thackeray encouraged me to start Mukkti Foundation. I have been running it for around 27–28 years with the belief that we must give back to society. Contributing to the welfare of others gives me true happiness. Although I belong to a political family, I have chosen to dedicate myself to social work instead of politics.”
Through the foundation’s campaign “Aao Bhook Mitayein” (Let’s End Hunger), Smita Thackeray and her team distribute food to those in need.
“When you feed the hungry, you receive heartfelt blessings. That’s why I started this campaign, and I’ve been blessed abundantly by people’s love and goodwill. Their blessings have helped me reach where I am today, and I intend to continue doing much more for society,” she expressed with gratitude.
Over the years, Smita Thackeray has made significant contributions to humanitarian causes, social service, and the entertainment industry, producing several Hindi and Marathi films as well as television projects. Her two sons are also active in the film industry, carrying forward the family’s creative legacy.
Smita Thackeray is currently planning “Haseena Maan Jayegi 2”, for which the script has already been finalized - another exciting chapter in her illustrious career dedicated to both cinema and social upliftment.
