There was a time down south when a "big" leader died, followers killed themselves because they cannot imagine living without their hero. Many more died when they fell off packed trains that took them to see the leader. There have been riots because fans were not allowed to see the body of their hero.
In Mumbai, people are a little more practical.
Or so I thought it would be.
Update:
A couple of girls in Palghar were arrested under Section 295 A of the Indian Penal Code -- outrage religious feelings of any class. for posting the following message:
"People like Bal Thackeray are born and die daily and one should not observe a bandh for that"