Actor and filmmaker Riteish Deshmukh has issued a blistering response to recent controversial statements concerning the Maratha warrior king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In a strongly worded social media post, the actor described the comments as “distorted nonsense,” asserting that any attempt to misrepresent the legacy of the revered icon is entirely unacceptable and infuriating.
The controversy was ignited following a public address by spiritual leader Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Baba, during an event in Nagpur. During his speech, Shastri reportedly shared an anecdote suggesting that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had grown “tired and exhausted” of constant warfare. He claimed the King approached Samarth Ramdas Swami, removed his crown, and expressed a desire to relinquish his kingdom and duties to find rest.
These remarks quickly drew the ire of historians, political leaders, and citizens across Maharashtra, who viewed the narrative as a fabrication of historical facts. Critics argued that such a portrayal undermines the resilience and vision of a leader who dedicated his life to the establishment of Swarajya.
Riteish Deshmukh, who is currently preparing for the release of his upcoming historical epic “Raja Shivaji,” took to X to express his disappointment. Writing in Marathi, he stated that as a “Shiv-premi” and “Shiv-bhakt”, he found the remarks intolerable.
“When someone comes along and spews some distorted nonsense about our cherished deity, this is unacceptable and infuriating,” Deshmukh wrote. He further emphasized that while people may try to “trap” the King’s legacy within narrow frames, such attempts would eventually be swallowed by time. He compared the endurance of Shivaji Maharaj’s name to the ancient mountain ranges of the Sahyadri, stating that it would remain for millions of years to come.
The backlash has not been limited to the film industry. Several political figures have also weighed in on the matter. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut criticized the presence of top leadership at the event where the remarks were made, questioning why there was no immediate objection to the alteration of historical facts. Similarly, Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant called the statements an insult to the “Maharashtra Dharma” and urged for greater accountability when discussing historical figures.
In response to the mounting pressure and widespread criticism, Dhirendra Shastri later issued an apology. He maintained that his statements were misinterpreted and taken out of context on social media. Shastri clarified that his intention was to highlight the King’s devotion to saints and that he personally views Shivaji Maharaj as a primary inspiration for his own vision of a “Hindu Rashtra.” He stated that disrespecting the Maratha ruler was “unthinkable” for him.
Despite the apology, the incident has sparked a larger conversation regarding the responsibility of public figures when recounting history. For Riteish Deshmukh, the issue is deeply personal, as his upcoming film aims to portray the authentic journey of Shivaji Maharaj’s early years and his struggle against the dominant empires of the 17th century.
The film “Raja Shivaji,” which Deshmukh both directs and stars in, is scheduled for release on May 1, coinciding with Maharashtra Day. As the state remains sensitive to the portrayal of its greatest historical figure, the controversy serves as a reminder of the enduring emotional and cultural impact Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj holds over the region. To know such
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