Silloo Bode : Biography, Age, Family, Education, Career, Husband, Net Worth, Death & More

Silloo Bode, also known as Silloo Manekshaw was a remarkable person who will always be remembered as the wife of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the India’s first Field Marshal. More than being a supportive wife she was also an accomplished artist, a social worker, and a philanthropist. Her life is a combination of creativity, compassion and strength, providing inspiration and teaching lessons in Indian history.

Who is Silloo Bode?

Silloo Bode was a multi-faceted individual, including a loving wife, mother and active citizen. She married Sam Manekshaw, whom, Siegel says, rose to become one of India’s most famous military leaders and who Silloo supported throughout his career. Silloo redefined the image of a military spouse while using her artistic talent and charitable efforts to become an individual of note in her own right.

Silloo Bode Age

Silloo Bode was born in 1911 in Amritsar, Punjab and lived a long and fruitful life, passing away on February 13, 2001, when she was 90 years of age. During her life time, she witnessed an extraordinary portion of Indian history, during which she was a steadfast pillar of support to her husband, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.

Silloo Bode Biography

AttributeDetails
Full NameSilloo Bode Manekshaw
Known ForWife of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
Date of Birth1911
Place of BirthAmritsar, Punjab, India
Age (at Death)90 Years
Date of Death13 February 2001
NationalityIndian
ReligionParsi (Zoroastrian)

Silloo Bode Education

Silloo Bode had an excellent education and special talents like few women of her time. She attended Elphinstone College, Mumbai, one of the most prestigious colleges in India, for her higher education. Later, she went to the Sir J.J. School of Art as a graduate student to learn painting and design.

The arts and her degree defined a lifelong creative, productive and resourceful persona that allowed her to engage with and contribute to the artistic world and the social world. Silloo’s education had a major role to play in defining who she was, provided she was also the respectable wife of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.

Silloo Bode Family

Silloo Bode came from a well-recognized and prominent Parsi family, in Amritsar, Punjab. Eventually, she became Sam Manekshaw’s wife, who became India’s first Field Marshal and one of the most well-recognized leaders of Indian military history.

RelationDetails
HusbandField Marshal Sam Manekshaw – First Field Marshal of India
Father-in-lawHormusji Manekshaw
Mother-in-lawHeerabai Manekshaw
Children2 Daughters – Sherry Manekshaw and Maya Manekshaw
GrandchildrenNot Publicly Known
Family OriginParsi (Zoroastrian) family from Amritsar, Punjab

Husband – Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw

Silloo Bode Husband
Silloo Bode Husband

Silloo Bode’s spouse was actually Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, the celebrated military man affectionately known as Sam Bahadur. He was India’s first Field Marshal, which is the highest rank an officer may hold in the Indian Army.

Sam Manekshaw had a career for the ages; spanning over forty years, in five wars – World War II, the 1947 Indo-Pak War, the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the 1965 Indo-Pak War and the historic 1971 Indo-Pak War. Sam’s timely formations and courageous actions during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War will be remembered as one of the finest victories in the annals of Indian military history.

Silloo Bode Career

Silloo Bode may not have pursued a conventional professional career path, but she had a life of meaningful expression in terms of contributions to the arts, social service, and cultural advancement. She carved out a place for herself beyond being the wife of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and had her own identity where she was known for her creativity, philanthropy, and leadership within community life.

Silloo Bode as an Artist and Designer

She studied art at the Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai and used her skills in painting and design. One of her remarkable works was designing Stavka, the retirement home in Coonoor, along with creating beautiful paintings that reflected her artistic excellence.

Silloo Bode’s Social Work and Charitable Initiatives

With a heart for service, Silloo started a charitable medical clinic for the underprivileged. Her efforts in healthcare and welfare made a real difference to people in need, showcasing her dedication as a social worker.

Silloo Bode’s Role in Cultural Activities and Theatre

At the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), she played a key role in directing theatrical plays and cultural events. These activities not only entertained but also raised funds for various social causes, making her a cultural contributor.

Legacy of Silloo Bode’s Career and Contributions

Her career path may not fit into traditional labels, but her contributions in art, social welfare, and cultural activities left a lasting legacy. She is remembered as an artist, philanthropist, cultural leader, and supportive partner of India’s first Field Marshal.

Silloo Bode on Social Media

Silloo Bode belonged to a generation before the rise of digital platforms and social media. She did not have any social media presence on channels like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Silloo Manekshaw Net Worth

Silloo Manekshaw was not a professional artist for profit, as true for most of her life was art, family and service to society. However, she also gained some comfort and respect, as the wife of India’s first Field Marshal. Her worth nothing can be calculated in financial assets, but the worth of her contributions to society, her artworks and legacy.

Silloo Manekshaw’s Death

Silloo Manekshaw passed away on 13 February 2001 after battling lung cancer. She was 90 years old at the time of her death. Her passing deeply affected Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, who expressed his wish to be buried next to her. Later, in 2008, after his death, he was laid to rest beside Silloo in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, fulfilling his last wish.

Unknown Facts about Silloo Manekshaw

  • Love at First Sight – Silloo met Sam Manekshaw in 1937 at a dinner party in Lahore. Within two years, they were married in 1939.
  • A True Critic and Counselor – She was known as Sam Manekshaw’s soft critic and counselor, always keeping him humble despite his legendary military career.
  • Social Welfare Contributor – Silloo established a charitable clinic in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, for the poor and elderly.
  • Theatre Enthusiast – She directed plays at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and used the funds raised for social causes.
  • Talented Artist – Apart from her social work, she was a painter and designer who even sold her artwork to support welfare activities.
  • Cultural Icon of the 1950s – Silloo and Sam were frequent guests at Bollywood parties, admired for their grace and charm.

Conclusion

Silloo Manekshaw was much more than just the wife of India’s first Field Marshal, Sam Manekshaw. She was a talented artist, a loving social worker, and a cultural activist who positively impacted society through her creativity, service and compassion. From decorating her home Stavka elegantly, to operating a charity clinic for poor people, Silloo practiced grace, humility and service. Her position as a supportive wife, mother full of love and an independent thinker, made her a role model for many.

FAQ’s

Who was Silloo Manekshaw?

She was the wife of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and a skilled artist, social worker, and cultural contributor.

When did Silloo Manekshaw pass away?

She passed away in 2001 after battling lung cancer.

Who played Silloo Manekshaw in the film Sam Bahadur?

Actress Sanya Malhotra portrayed her role in the 2023 biopic.

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