Riteish Deshmukh pays an emotional tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Shivneri Fort; Watch

On February 19, 2026, Riteish Deshmukh paid his respects at Pune's Shivneri Fort for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti. He commemorated the late King's birth anniversary, discussing with the media how Shivaji Maharaj remains a source of inspiration.

Riteish Deshmukh Celebrates Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti

Riteish said, Aaj Shiva Jayanti hai, aur aaj ke din main sabhi Shiva bhakton ko, Shiva premiyon ko, meri or se hardik shubhkamnayein deta hoon. Aaj ka din bada hie saubhagya ka din hai. Aaj ke din hamare Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ka janam hua tha aur unki kirti aur unka shaurya, yeh sabhi logon ko pata hai (Today is Shiva Jayanti, and on this day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all Shiva devotees and Shiva lovers. Today is a day of great fortune. Our Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born on this day, and everyone knows about his fame and bravery).

He further added, Itne barson ke baad bhi, woh hame nayi urja dete hai, nayi prerna dete hai. Yahi prerna sabhi ko prapt ho, yahi main akansha aur subhekcha deta hoon (Even after so many years, he gives us new energy and inspiration. May everyone receive this inspiration; this is my hope and good wishes).

About Raja Shivaji

In "Raja Shivaji," directed by and starring Riteish Deshmukh as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the film boasts a star-studded cast including Sanjay Dutt and Abhishek Bachchan. The movie also features Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amole Gupte, and Genelia Deshmukh, with Salman Khan reportedly making a cameo appearance.

Raja Shivaji is scheduled for a May 1, 2026 release, coinciding with Maharashtra Day, and will be available in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada.

Salman Khan is set to make a special cameo in ‘Raja Shivaji’, portraying Jiva Mahala, the warrior who saved Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film, with music by Ajay-Atul and cinematography by Santosh Sivan, marks Sivan’s debut in Marathi cinema.