Thackeray is ill: Send your get-well-soon messages here

BANGALORE, INDIA: Founder of Shiv Sena Bal Thackeray is critically ill and is put on life support.

As soon as the news spread, wishes for his wellness began pouring on social media. At the same time, there were media reports that his supporters stormed his home Matoshri in Mumbai, vandalising vehicles.

Appealing for peace, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said to IBN7 Lokmat: "He is responding well to the teratment. The concern you are showing for the Shiv Sena leader will help him."

Thackeray's friend Amitabh Bachchan has been Tweeting about his relationship with the Sena leader. He tweeted: "When the Bofors Scandal accusations on us were at its peak, he called me home and asked "tell me the truth, are you involved? When I said "NO !", he said "Then do not worry about anything. I am with you. You are an actor, go do what you are best at."

Bachchan, who is said to have been injured in violence outside Matoshri today, also wrote: "He is a fighter all his life, fights his life !! Prayers needed now!"

Amitabh went on to write: "When I fought for my life after 'Coolie' accident, he (Thackeray) came to visit me in hospital, with a cartoon he had drawn - Yamraj defeated!"

Thackeray, cartoonist-turned-politician, had been ailing and his condition deteriorated on Wednesday night, reports say.

"When Jaya and I married, he called us to his house .. and the rituals that were conducted was of the 'bahu' coming home. From that day on he always treated us as family," wrote Amitabh.

Thackeray has always been a controversial figure for his statements expressing admiration for Hitler as an artist and demagogue, inciting violence against Muslims, expressing support for the LTTE, and taking strong stances on the aspects of popular culture, including fervent opposition to the celebration of Valentine's Day.

Twitter is abuzz with wishes for Thackeray. Veteran journalist and director Pritish Nandy tweeted: "Our prayers go out for Balasaheb Thackeray and his family members.... May the tiger wake up and roar again."

You can join them by send in your prayers for Bal Thackeray.