Gunjan Chaudhary
Actor-filmmaker Riteish Deshmukh has strongly reacted to controversial statements made by Dhirendra Krishna Shastri regarding Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The response comes just days before the release of Riteish’s ambitious historical film Raja Shivaji, where he essays the role of the legendary Maratha ruler. Taking to X, Riteish Deshmukh issued a firm statement in Marathi, calling out what he described as incorrect and misleading narratives about Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.
Riteish Deshmukh
Riteish Deshmukh Slams Remarks
Expressing deep reverence, he stated that as a Shivpremi and Shivbhakt, he finds such distortions unacceptable. He emphasized that attempts to diminish the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj would never succeed, comparing the warrior’s enduring legacy to the timeless strength of the Sahyadri ranges. His message resonated strongly with fans, many of whom praised him for taking a stand on a sensitive cultural and historical issue.
Riteish Deshmukh
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The controversy began after comments made by Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Baba, during an event in Nagpur. He claimed that Shivaji Maharaj had grown weary of constant battles and once expressed a desire to step away from warfare, even symbolically offering his crown to Samarth Ramdas. These remarks were widely criticized for allegedly misrepresenting historical accounts and undermining the valor and resilience associated with Shivaji Maharaj.
Bageshwar Baba
Historians and public figures alike questioned the accuracy of such claims, leading to widespread backlash on social media. Set to release on May 1, Raja Shivaji is a grand historical drama that chronicles the early life and struggles of Shivaji Maharaj, focusing on his vision to establish Swaraj. The film is produced by Genelia Deshmukh and Jyoti Deshpande under the banner of Mumbai Film Company, and presented by Jio Studios.
Riteish Deshmukh
The film also features a stellar ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Bhagyashree, Mahesh Manjrekar, and Boman Irani. At the film’s trailer launch, Riteish and Genelia were visibly emotional, highlighting the passion and dedication behind the project. Riteish later expressed gratitude to Genelia for her unwavering support throughout the filmmaking journey.