Dancer Filming Riteish Deshmukh’s Raja Shivaji' Drowns in Satara River; Body Recovered After Two Days

Background dancer Saurabh Sharma, 26, died after drowning in the Krishna River while working on the set of Bollywood actor Ritesh Deshmukh's film "Raja Shivaji" near Sangam Mahuli village in Maharashtra's Satara district. His body was recovered on Thursday morning after being missing for two days.

The incident unfolded in Sangam Mahuli, a village situated at the confluence of the Krishna and Venna rivers in Satara district, approximately 250 kilometers from Mumbai. Sharma, who was part of the film's dance crew, had just completed the filming of a vibrant song sequence involving a colorful powder toss.

Seeking to wash his hands in the Krishna River, Sharma ventured into the water's depths for a swim. However, the strong currents proved too powerful, sweeping him away. Despite a swift response from authorities, including police, district administration, and local rescue teams, Sharma's body was discovered two days later, on Thursday morning.

The search for Sharma was halted on Tuesday night due to the onset of darkness, resuming the following morning, Wednesday, and continuing throughout the day. Despite the extensive efforts of the search teams, Sharma remained missing. Finally, on Thursday morning around 7:30 am, his body was recovered from the river by the combined efforts of the police and rescue teams.

An accidental death case has been filed with the Satara police, and an investigation is ongoing.

Helmed by the talented Riteish Deshmukh, the historical epic "Raja Shivaji" is brought to the screen by Jio Studios and produced under the esteemed banner of Mumbai Film Company. In a departure from his usual roles, Riteish will embody a morally ambiguous character in the highly anticipated sequel, "Raid 2," sharing the screen with the renowned Ajay Devgn. This cinematic clash is scheduled to grace the silver screen on the first day of May, promising a captivating and thrilling experience for audiences.