Renowned industrialist Ratan Tata condoled the passing away of Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray in Mumbai. In a statement late Saturday night, Tata expressed his admiration for the 86-year-old Thackeray and described him as "a strong leader of his people".

"Balasaheb Thackeray was a strong leader of his people - respected and admired by many. He was outspoken but driven by his principles," Tata said in his tribute.

Expressing his condolences to the bereaved family, Tata said Thackeray has left his mark on Mumbai and Maharashtra and will be missed by many.

Bal Thackeray's funeral shall be held at Shivaji Park in Dadar west Sunday evening in the presence of several lakh of people, who have arrived in the city from all over Maharashtra.