Riteish Deshmukh's directorial debut 'Raja Shivaji', in which he also portrays the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has been performing exceptionally well at the box office. The Marathi film has set new benchmarks and garnered widespread critical acclaim. The star-studded cast includes Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Sanjay Dutt, and a cameo by Salman Khan. In a recent interview, Riteish opened up about how he managed to bring these actors on board, revealing that none of them charged any fees for the project.
Actors Joined Out of Admiration and Personal Bonds
Riteish shared that most of the Hindi film actors associated with 'Raja Shivaji' agreed to participate purely out of their admiration for Shivaji Maharaj and due to their personal relationships with him. Speaking about his bond with Salman Khan and Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish said that some relationships transcend formal definitions and are built on mutual love and trust.
In an interview with Live Times, he stated, “This is just unsaid kind of love and respect, unconditional, that you have for each other. If tomorrow Abhishek or Salman tells me, ‘What about this?’ I’ll say yes without even thinking because if he has thought of me, I have to be there.”
Abhishek Bachchan Agreed Without Knowing His Role
The actor-director further revealed that Abhishek Bachchan consented to join the film without even inquiring about the role being offered to him. Reflecting on the goodwill he has built over 23 years in the industry, Riteish remarked, “This is what I have earned in 23 years. I am truly indebted to all of them.” According to Riteish, discussions about payment never arose when he approached his colleagues. The cast members chose to be part of the film due to the story's emotional significance rather than monetary considerations.
He shared, “Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan, Boman Irani, Genelia Deshmukh, and I didn’t charge. We all have worked completely pro bono for this film to be what it is today.”
Three-and-a-Half Years of Research and Writing
Riteish also disclosed that he spent over three and a half years researching and writing 'Raja Shivaji'. The project features actors from both Bollywood and Marathi cinema, making it one of the most ambitious ensemble casts assembled in recent years. The film's success underscores the power of storytelling and collaborative spirit in Indian cinema.
