Bal Thackeray shared strong bond with his Muslim physician

He was considered a right-wing Hindu leader -- but Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray, who died yesterday, had full faith in a Muslim doctor, who was treating him for the last four years.

He was considered a right-wing Hindu leader -- but Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray, who died on Saturday, had full faith in a Muslim doctor, who was treating him for the last four years.

One might never to able to solve the mystery as to why Thackeray trusted his family's health on Jalil Parkar, but the meticulous chest physician ensured that the trust was never broken.

In 2009, when Thackeray had severe breathing difficulty, it was this doctor, trained in the United States, who came to his aid and over a period of time became a permanent visitor to Matoshree-- the Thackeray residence.

Even as Thackeray headed a party known for its right-wing Hindu nationalist views, Parkar never complained of any religious biases. He in fact said Thackeray was one of the kindest souls he had interacted with.

Dr Jalil Parkar announces Bal Thackeray's death in Mumbai. PTI