Actor Riteish Deshmukh has reacted strongly to the controversial remarks made by spiritual guru Bageshwar Baba about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The statement sparked backlash online, with many expressing anger over the portrayal of the revered Maratha warrior king. Riteish, who is all set to play the character of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his upcoming historical film Raja Shivajialso joined the criticism and shared a powerful response on social media.
Riteish Deshmukh criticizes Bageshwar Baba over Shivaji Maharaj’s comment: “Unacceptable and infuriating”
The controversy started when Bageshwar Baba claimed in a speech that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was tired of fighting wars and had once placed his crown in front of Ramdas Swami and asked him to take charge of the kingdom while he rested. These comments were widely criticized by many who felt that they misrepresented history and undermined the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj.
Responding to the issue, Riteish took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and posted a message in Marathi. Expressing his views as a devotee and admirer of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the actor took strong objection to what he described as distorted statements.
Translating into English, Riteish Deshmukh wrote that when someone spreads false and distorted claims about a beloved person like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, it is unacceptable and extremely angry for every Shiva-devotee and Shiva-lover. He said that efforts to belittle such a vast heritage will never succeed.
He further said that just as the Sahyadri mountain ranges have stood strong for millions of years, the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will continue to inspire generations for millions of years to come. He described the Maratha ruler as the pride of the Kshatriya dynasty, the lord of the throne and the emperor of emperors.
Meanwhile, the actor is preparing for the release. Raja ShivajiOne of the most anticipated historical dramas of the year. Ritesh has played the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the film. The project is backed by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under the banner of Mumbai Film Company and presented by Jio Studios.
The film is going to be released in theaters on May 1. Raja Shivaji It will focus on the early life of the great ruler, his dream of self-rule and his resistance against powerful empires. The film also features actors like Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Bhagyashree, Mahesh Manjrekar and Boman Irani.
