Actor Riteish Deshmukh has spoken out firmly amid the ongoing controversy surrounding remarks made about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, as anticipation builds for his upcoming film Raja Shivaji. The actor, who essays the role of the revered warrior king, reacted strongly to the backlash triggered by statements from Dhirendra Krishna Shastri.
Taking to social media, Riteish expressed his disappointment over what he described as “distorted nonsense” about Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy. Writing in Marathi, he emphasised that such remarks are unacceptable for devotees and admirers, asserting that attempts to undermine the historical figure’s stature would not be tolerated. He also highlighted that Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy remains enduring and unshaken despite such controversies.
The row began after Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Baba, made comments during an event in Nagpur, where he narrated an account suggesting that Shivaji Maharaj had grown weary of battles and sought to step away from warfare. The remarks drew criticism from various quarters, leading to widespread outrage.
Meanwhile, Raja Shivaji, backed by Jio Studios and produced under Mumbai Film Company by Genelia Deshmukh and Jyoti Deshpande, is set to hit theatres on May 1. At the film’s trailer launch, Riteish and Genelia were visibly emotional while speaking about the project, reflecting the deep personal significance attached to bringing the story of Shivaji Maharaj to the screen.
