Silloo Bode, later Silloo Manekshaw after marriage, was the wife of Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, India’s first Field Marshal. Although Silloo preferred a role behind the curtains, there is no doubt that she had a hard-to-measure impact pawing the way for Sam’s incredible military career and keeping up with household work. A lover of art, literature, and culture, she was elegant, intelligent, and tough. This article also talk about Silloo Bode age, husband, career, net worth, children, death and many more.
Who is Silloo Bode?
Silloo Bode was a passionate artist, a dedicated homemaker, and Sam Manekshaw’s lifelong companion. She was elegant-minded, a lover of fine arts, and acknowledged for all she contributed to the well-being of her family. Though she was married to a national icon, she opted for a life of privacy, as a mother, which did its best, to support her husband, through the challenges of a military career.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Silloo Bode (after marriage, Silloo Manekshaw) |
| Famous As | Wife of Field Marshal Sam H. F. J. Manekshaw |
| Date of Birth | 1911 |
| Place of Birth | Amritsar, Punjab, India |
| Date of Death | 13 February 2001 |
| Age at Death | 90 years |
| Cause of Death | Lung Cancer |
| Place of Burial | Parsi Zoroastrian Cemetery, Ooty, Tamil Nadu |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Parsi Zoroastrian |
| Profession | Artist, Homemaker, Social Worker |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband’s Name | Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw |
| Marriage Date | 22 April 1939 |
| Known For | Supporting Sam Manekshaw during his military career and raising a close-knit family |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Legacy | Remembered as a strong, graceful, and loving partner who contributed silently to India’s history |
Silloo Bode Age and Date of Birth
Silloo Bode was born in 1911 in Amritsar, Punjab, India, into a Parsi Zoroastrian family. Although her actual date of birth is not in the public domain, it is known that she had a long and dignified life. She died on 13 February 2001 at the age of 90. Silloo lived her life for almost a century. In that span, she had the opportunity to experience incredible milestones in history, and she provided strength to her family.
Silloo Bode Height, Weight, and Physical Stats
While exact figures are not officially confirmed, available references suggest the following approximate stats:
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | 60 kg |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Silloo Bode Family & Early life
Silloo Bode was raised in a cultured and educated family, which shaped both her values and personality. She had a sister, married to a physician in the British Forces, who lived in Lahore. Silloo herself later was to become an important figure in the annals of Indian history through her husband’s military accomplishments. She was very culturally rooted in her upbringing, imparting proper values to her children as well as maintaining the family theme. Even when they were out in public because of her husband being famous, they certainly followed the norm for what perceived cultured and educated people did.
Silloo Bode Education
Silloo was an educated woman intent on higher studies in Bombay (Mumbai):
- Attended Elphinstone College
- Trained at the Sir J. J. School of Art
Silloo’s appreciation of art and literature permeated her life-style and home.
Silloo Bode Religion
Silloo was a Parsi Zoroastrian by faith, and after her departure from this world, once she was dead, she was placed at her final resting place in the Parsi Zoroastrian Cemetery in Ooty, Tamil Nadu.
Silloo Bode Marriage and Husband
Silloo Bode met Sam Manekshaw in 1937 at a social function in Lahore, and were soon in love. They married in Bombay on 22 April 1939. Their marriage lasted for over 60 years of love, trust and companionship. They had two daughters, Sherry Batliwala and Maja Daruwala, from whom they were later to become grandparents. Even after her death in 2001, Sam was buried next to her in Ooty in 2008 to represent their journey in life together.
Silloo Bode Children and Other Relatives
- Sherry Batliwala – The eldest daughter, who had a successful corporate career.
- Maja Daruwala – A well-respected lawyer and human rights activist, involved with Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) and India Justice Report.
- Grandchildren: Brandy Batliwala, Jehan Sam and Raoul Sam who have cherished memories of their grandparents.
Silloo Bode Career Journey
Silloo Bode did not have a typical vocation. However, her life was invested in:
- Supporting her husband for a long military career.
- Running the house and raising their daughters.
- Enjoying painting, music, and literature.
- In addition to community work and causes, including running a small clinic for the elders while in the Nilgiris.
Silloo Bode Net Worth
Silloo Bode’s personal net worth does not have confirmed information. She lived a private life, and most financial information remains unknown.
Silloo Bode Death
On 13th February 2001, at the age of 90, Silloo Bode passed away after a brave battle with lung cancer. She was buried in the Parsi Zoroastrian Cemetery in Ooty, Tamil Nadu. Her passing marked the end of a dignified, quiet life which was devoted to her family, art, and social work. Her legacy will carry on through her children and grandchildren, and her husband, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was laid to rest beside her in 2008, reinforcing the bond that they shared.
Lesser-Known Facts about Silloo Bode
- She had an enthusiasm for art, literature, and music.
- Silloo had a reputation for being quite blunt and humorus.
- Actress Sanya Malhotra played Silloo on the big screen in the 2023 biopic “Sam Bahadur” directed by Meghna Gulzar.
- Even though she was married to a national icon, she lived a fairly private life with little public exposure.
Conclusion
The life of Silloo Bode is one of grace, strength, and resilience. While Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw will undoubtedly be remembered for his service as a war hero, Silloo was a steadfast force behind the scenes. From her education in Bombay to her quiet life in the Nilgiris, she navigated roles as an artist, wife, mother, and grandmother. Her presence as a family member continues to be felt, and her life remains an example of dignity, love, and simplicity.
FAQ’s
Who was Silloo Bode?
Silloo Bode, later Silloo Manekshaw, was the wife of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. An artist, a homemaker and a social worker, Silloo was elegant, intelligent, and held her family values high.
When and where was Silloo Bode born?
Silloo Bode was born in 1911, in Amritsar, Punjab, India.
When did Silloo Bode passed away?
On 13th February 2001, at the age of 90, Silloo Bode passed away after a brave battle with lung cancer.
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