Abhishek Bachchan is currently enjoying the success of his latest film Raja Shivaji, which was released on May 1 and has been performing exceptionally well at the box office. Directed by Riteish Deshmukh, the historical drama features Abhishek in the role of Sambhaji Shahaji Bhosale, the elder brother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who is portrayed by Riteish himself.
In a recent interview with India Today, Abhishek opened up about the overwhelming response the film has received, particularly from Marathi audiences. He recalled a touching moment after the film's release: "The other day I was stopped at a traffic signal, and someone called me Shambhu Raje. That has never happened to me before. It just shows what these figures mean to people, and that only adds to the responsibility on him as a director and writer to do justice."
Emotional Connection with the Audience
The actor admitted that he was deeply moved by the affection coming his way and expressed pleasant surprise at the warmth and appreciation from viewers. He noted that such a response highlights the deep respect people have for historical figures like Shivaji Maharaj and his brother.
Discovering History and Preparing for the Role
Talking about his preparation and connection with the character, Abhishek revealed that one of the most fascinating aspects for him was discovering that Shivaji Maharaj had an elder brother. He learned about the strong relationship they shared, which he had not been aware of earlier. As he delved deeper into the script, he became engrossed in the political tensions, conflicts, and emotional layers of that historical period.
Trust in Riteish Deshmukh
Abhishek also explained that his trust in Riteish Deshmukh played a huge role in his decision to join the film. Reflecting on how the offer came about, he said: "Yes, because thankfully, he had not told me the character at that point of time. See, he’s my little brother. I will do anything for him. He just has to ask. But the greater faith and love is in the fact that I know he’s not going to ask me to do something that he’s not convinced I can do. So, I think there’s that mutual understanding."
The actor further recalled how casually the project first came up: "I didn’t know he was coming to offer me a film. He just said, ‘Can I come over?’ I thought, okay, he’s just going to come hang out. But when he asks you something, I already know that he’s thought this out. So, I don’t need to think he’s just coming to take a favour. It’s not a favour. It’s something he’s thought about and convinced himself about before coming to me. He doesn’t take it lightly."
Raja Shivaji continues to draw audiences to theatres, and Abhishek's performance has been widely praised. The film marks a significant collaboration between the two actors and has strengthened their bond both on and off screen.
