Riteish Deshmukh’s directorial venture ‘Raja Shivaji’ has garnered an overwhelming response across Maharashtra. Marking the film’s success, the actor hosted a celebratory party attended by the cast and crew, along with close industry friends. A video from the celebration went viral on social media, showing Riteish dancing to a Bollywood track while wearing a T-shirt featuring Maharaj’s image. The clip sparked backlash, with many calling it disrespectful and some alleging he was intoxicated. Responding to the controversy, Riteish has now shared a detailed note, clarifying his stance and issuing an apology.
Riteish Deshmukh says he had no intention of disrespecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Taking to Instagram story, Riteish wrote, “To celebrate the unprecedented response given by the audience to the recently released movie Raja Shivaji, our entire team had organized a small celebration. A video of mine related to that is currently circulating on social media. As a devotee of Shivaji Maharaj (Shivpremi) and a family man who values his audience, I consider it my duty to clarify this. I want to humbly clarify that while celebrating while wearing a T-shirt featuring the image of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, I did not have the slightest intention of disrespecting him. I was using that T-shirt during the promotional campaign of the movie. On that day as well, I joined the event directly after wrapping up promotional work, which is why I missed changing the T-shirt.”
He further added, “Additionally, regarding some claims being made about me on social media, I want to clarify that I have never consumed alcohol in my life, nor will I ever do so in the future. Therefore, any allegations in this context are completely far from the truth. Notably, the person who filmed this video was not even invited to the said event. This event was organized to express gratitude towards all the artists and colleagues, both in front of and behind the camera, who worked tirelessly for three and a half years for the movie Raja Shivaji. However, if anyone’s sentiments were hurt by my action, I sincerely express my regret as a Shivpremi. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a symbol of faith, inspiration, and pride for all of us. I have immense respect, love, and loyalty for him in my heart. This sentiment is just as strong today and will remain so forever. Jai Shivray Yours, Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh”.
Riteish Deshmukh’s ‘Raja Shivaji’ becomes first Marathi film to cross Rs 120 crore
Released globally on May 1, ‘Raja Shivaji’ has made history as the first Marathi film to cross the Rs 120 crore mark at the box office. The film boasts an impressive ensemble featuring Riteish Deshmukh alongside Genelia Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Amol Gupte, Jitendra Joshi, and Mahesh Manjrekar.