New Delhi: Actor Riteish Deshmukh has called out “unacceptable” remarks against Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj after self-proclaimed godman Dhirendra Krishna Shastri’s recent statement on the Maratha king sparked controversy.
At a foundation ceremony of a temple in Nagpur last week, Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Baba, said that Shivaji Maharaj had grown “tired of fighting wars” and had offered his crown to saint Samarth Ramdas. The remarks drew backlash, with political leaders saying there is no historical evidence to support the claim.
Deshmukh, who is set to portray Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his upcoming film Raja Shivaji, responded to the controversy, calling the remarks “distorted nonsense”, “unacceptable and infuriating.”
“When someone comes along and spews some distorted nonsense about our cherished deity, as a Shiv-premi-Shiv-bhakt, this is unacceptable and infuriating,” he wrote in Marathi on X on Sunday.
The Nagpur event was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. The statements quickly circulated online, drawing reactions across party lines. Fadnavis later said, “There is no historical evidence to his claims”.
Also read: This Australian minister is a big Shah Rukh Khan fan—‘Om Shanti Om is my all-time favourite’
Protests and uproar
The controversy sparked protests in parts of Maharashtra. Congress workers rallied in Amravati, while members of the Sambhaji Brigade, a group that campaigns on issues related to Maratha history and identity, staged demonstrations in Nagpur, accusing Shastri of distorting history and insulting Shivaji Maharaj.
Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal also criticised the remarks. “Do not connect Shivaji Maharaj and Ramdas Swami. They belong to different periods,” he said at a press conference on Saturday.
The comments have once again drawn attention to how Shivaji Maharaj is invoked in public discourse, especially in Maharashtra, where references to the 17th-century ruler often invite scrutiny and strong reactions. The sensitivity around such portrayals extends to popular culture as well, particularly at a time when films based on historical figures are being closely watched for accuracy and interpretation.
Raja Shivaji, a big-budget retelling of the Maratha ruler’s life, is gearing up for release later this year. The film’s trailer, released last week, features large-scale battle sequences and court politics, positioning it as a sweeping historical drama. It also features Deshmukh’s son, Rahyl Deshmukh, in a key role, marking his on-screen debut and adding a personal dimension to the project.
(Edited by Aamaan Alam Khan)