Uddhav Thackeray photos fetch Rs 3.25 crore

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has collected more than Rs 3.25 crore from his photography exhibition to be donated to farmers in the state, who have suffered losses due to natural calamities.

The grand exhibition was concluded in the presence of superstar Amitabh Bachchan and industrialist Mukesh Ambani at the Jehangir Art gallery in South Mumbai.

The party leaders said the amount might go up after the final evaluation.

On the last day of his exhibition, Uddhav received appreciation from none other than Mr Bachchan who said he would display the photographs in his home.

“The photographs are mesmerising. The legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray has been forwarded to the next generation. I am going to display these photographs of mine (clicked by Uddhav) at my place,” Amitabh told the media after visiting the exhibition.

The area around Jehangir Art Gallery was so crowded that it became difficult for police to manage the crowd when Amitabh Bachchan came in. Traffic had to be halted many times in the evening as the public were barred from going in.

The exhibition received a good response on all seven days. Many celebrities visited and appreciated the photos. Tabla maestro Zakir Husain inaugurated the exhibition. Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar were the prominent guests who visited the exhibition.

MNS chief and estranged cousin Raj Thackeray also visited the exhibition and appreciated his efforts.

A Sena leader on condition of anonymity said that almost all photos in the exhibition were sold out. “Uddhavji’s almost all photos are sold out. The amount last we counted was of Rs 3.25 crore and this will increase after the final tally,” the leader said.

“The list of buyers and final amount collected from the sale will be announced soon by Uddhavji and the funds will be handed to a trust formed to distribute it to the farmers,” he added.

This was the second exhibition of photos by Uddhav. He had shot forts in Maharashtra through aerial photography, and also captured the famous Wari in Pune earlier.