Silloo Manekshaw, whose real name was Silloo Bode, was a revered Indian artist, social worker, and wife of India’s first Field Marshal, Sam Manekshaw. She never wanted to be in the limelight; however, she was a strong force behind the scenes as she stood beside one of the best military leaders in India. Silloo Manekshaw, a dignified lady whose personality, talent and commitment towards social welfare made her a great artist, led a disciplined, cultural and compassionate life. Even today, her contribution to society, particularly in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, is greatly respected. In this article, the biography of Silloo Manekshaw will be discussed in detail.
Silloo Bode: Biography
Silloo Manekshaw was born as Silloo Bode to a cultured Parsi family and was well educated in fine arts. Not only was she regarded as the life companion to Sam Manekshaw, but she was also a free thinker, a painter, theatre lover and a philanthropist. The following is a brief summary of her personal and professional life.
| Field | Details |
| Real Name | Silloo Bode |
| Popular As | Silloo Manekshaw (after marriage) |
| Profession | Artist, Social Worker |
| Known For | Wife of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw |
| Date of Birth | 1911 |
| Birthplace | Amritsar, Punjab |
| Date of Death | 13 February 2001 |
| Age (at death) | 90 Years |
| Death Cause | Lung Cancer |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Amritsar, Punjab |
| Religion | Parsi |
| Marital Status | Married |
Silloo Bode Date of Birth and Age
Silloo Bode was born in 1911 and she belongs to the Parsi family. Her actual date of birth is not available publicly, but Silloo Bode was recognized as a powerful, graceful, and loving companion who quietly contributed to India’s history. She died on 13 February 2001 at the age of 90 years.
Silloo Bode Height & Physical Appearance
The exact data related to her physical appearance are not available, but as per some media sources, Silloo Bode was approx. 5 feet 5 inches tall and her weight was around 60 kg. She was gracefully dressed and elegant with short, curved black hair. She had a respectable manner of appearance in life.
| Attribute | Details |
| Height (in centimeter) | 165 cm |
| Height (in feet) | 5’5” |
| Weight | 60 kg (approx.) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
Early Life and Family Background
Born in Amritsar, Punjab, Silloo Bode religion was Parsi. She was brought up on good cultural grounds, education and discipline. Silloo Bode’s parents’ details were not shared publicly. However, she had a sister married to a doctor in the British Indian Army in Lahore, Pakistan.
| Relation | Details |
| Father | Not Publicly Known |
| Mother | Not Publicly Known |
| Sister (Name unknown) | One (married and lived in Lahore, Pakistan) |
| Brother-in-law | Doctor in British Indian Army |
Her family life was a significant factor that contributed to her firm personality and intellectual attitude.
Silloo Bode Educational Qualifications
Silloo Bode (Silloo Manekshaw) was a well-learned lady, particularly considering the level of education of that era. She went on to get higher education in Mumbai and worked on both academics and fine arts. After married to sam Manekshaw, she designed their famous house, “Stavka,” in Coonoor.
| Level | Institution |
| Graduation | Elphinstone College, Mumbai |
| Higher Education | Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai |
Silloo Bode Husband and Marriage
Silloo Bode was the wife of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the legendary officer of the Indian Army and the first Indian to become the Field Marshal. They both met at a social event in 1937, in Lahore and got married on April 22, 1939, in Bombay.
| Field | Details |
| Husband | Sam Manekshaw |
| Marriage Date | 22 April 1939 |
| Relationship Duration | Till her death in 2001 |
Silloo, who was initially called Silloo Bode, was able to cope with the hectic life of an army wife, who accompanied Sam Manekshaw in his frequent transfers, in the world wars and other military duties. With her quick wit and independence of character, she was not only his truest friend but also the best critic of him, enabling him to maintain himself in his elevated position in the midst of his rising popularity and fame.
Silloo Bode Children
Silloo and Sam had two daughters, who were born in 1940 and 1945, respectively: Maja (or Maya) Daruwala and Sherry Batliwala. The family expanded further with grandchildren who comprised Jehan Sam, Raoul Sam, and Brandy Batliwala. As an artist and painter, Silloo was an accomplished professional who had her own identity even as the wife of one of the most respected leaders in the Indian army.
The marriage of the Manekshaws lasted until Silloo died in the year 2001. In 2008, Sam Manekshaw died at the age of 94 because of complications of pneumonia, and this was the end of an era of service, power, and a truly supportive relationship.
Children and Grandchildren
Silloo Manekshaw was a very proud mother and grandmother. She as two daughters, Maja Daruwala and Sherry Batliwala
| Relation | Name | Details |
| Daughter | Maja Daruwala | Lawyer & Human Rights Advocate, supporter of Commonwealth human rights. |
| Daughter | Sherry Batliwala | Retired Corporate Employee |
| Grandson | Jehan Sam | Theatre Artist (Mumbai) |
| Grandson | Raoul Sam | Businessman (USA) |
| Granddaughter | Brandy Batliwala | Hospitality Professional (New York) |
Silloo Bode Career
Though Silloo did not have a long professional career after her marriage, she was extensively engaged in art and social work as well as theater. She was a talented painter and theater director, especially during her time in military cantonments.
| Area | Contribution |
| Painting | Sold artworks for charity |
| Theatre | Directed plays at Defence Services Staff College |
| Social Work | She worked in a charitable clinic in Coonoor for the social cause of elders. |
| Community Welfare | Focused on poor and elderly |
She would easily capitalize on the reputation of her husband to solicit funds to help the needy but was modest and service-oriented.
Sam Bahadur (Film): Biopic of Sam Manekshaw and Siloo Bade
In 2023, The Biopic, Sam Bahadur, illustrates the life of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw with his long-lasting marriage to Siloo Bade (Sam Manekshaw). The biographical war drama was released theatrically on December 1, 2023 and follows the life of Manekshaw beginning with his days at the Indian Military Academy (1934) through some of the most important events in Indian history, namely World War II, the 1947 Partition, the 1962 Sino-Indian War, and the 1971 Indo-Pak War that resulted in the formation of Bangladesh.
Cast Highlights
- Vicky Kaushal played the role of Sam Manekshaw in a transformative way.
- Sanya Malhotra played the role of Siloo Bode, who is a strong ally who sticks by Sam during more than forty years of military service.
Interesting Facts about Silloo Bode
She was not awarded anything formally, so these are some facts that were not well known but were interesting to know about her life.
- Silloo met Sam Manekshaw in 1937 in Lahore.
- She Married to sam in 1939
- She was Sam’s strongest supporter and toughest critic.
- She Loved Western classical music
- She also designed their famous house, “Stavka,” in Coonoor.
Is Silloo bode alive ?
No, Silloo bode died on 13 February 2001 at the age of 90 in a fight with lung cancer in Tamil Nadu, India. She was buried at the Parsi Zoroastrian Cemetery at Ooty, which was closely related to the Manekshaw family.
Silloo Bode’s Husband’s Death
Seven years after Silloo Bade’s death, on June 27, 2008, Silloo Bode’s husband, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, also passed away at the age of 94. He died of pneumonia complications in the Military Hospital in Wellington, Tamil Nadu. Sam Manekshaw received full military honors for his legendary service to the nation and was finally buried beside Siloo in the same Ooty Parsi cemetery and the couple found themselves united in death as they had been in life.
Silloo Bade Net Worth
Silloo Manekshaw lacked an independent commercial net worth. Nevertheless, she led a good life being the wife of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, who was a respected one.
Silloo Bade Social Media Profiles
Silloo Manekshaw was a pre-digital person who did not even have social media accounts.
Conclusion
The wife of a great Field Marshal, Silloo Bode, well known as Silloo Manekshaw, was much more than that. She used to be an artist, a thinker, a social worker, and a pillar of strength to one of the greatest Indian military personalities. Her strict discipline, intellectual strength and commitment to the good of the people made her a great figure to look up to. Her legacy can still affect people even when she has not been publicly recognized or awarded; her impact on them remains in her family and her contribution to society and silent yet mighty legacy.
FAQs About Silloo Bode
A1. Silloo Bode was an Indian artist and social worker and the wife of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.
A2. She died in 2001, at the age of 90.
A3. She was mother to two daughters (Maja Daruwala and Sherry Batliwala).
A4. She died due to lung cancer.
A5. Sam Bahadur, a 2023 film, features Indian actress Sanya Malhotra in the Silloo Bode role.
Article Code: Adarsh 1125-404
