Mumbai

Riteish Deshmukh has revealed that Salman Khan personally expressed his desire to be part of Raja Shivaji, prompting the actor-director to create a role worthy of the superstar’s screen presence.

Released on May 1, Raja Shivaji traces the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Deshmukh not only plays the lead role but has also co-written and directed the ambitious historical drama.

In the film, Salman Khan makes a special appearance as Jiva Mahala, the warrior remembered for saving Shivaji Maharaj during the historic Battle of Pratapgad.

Speaking about Salman’s involvement, Deshmukh said the actor approached him directly and insisted on being included in the project.

According to Deshmukh, Salman told him that he could not make the film without him being a part of it. The filmmaker said he needed time because if Salman was to appear on screen, the role had to carry weight and deliver something memorable for audiences.

Deshmukh said he was clear that he did not want viewers to simply see Salman Khan as himself, but rather connect with a character strong enough to match the star’s persona while still serving the story.

This is not the first collaboration between the two actors. Salman had earlier made special appearances in Deshmukh’s Ved and Lai Bhaari.

Raja Shivaji also features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt as Afzal Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan, Boman Irani, and Genelia Deshmukh in pivotal roles.

Deshmukh said many of his colleagues joined the project out of friendship, trust and mutual respect, adding that none of them charged a fee for their performances.

He shared that Abhishek Bachchan was among the first actors he approached, and the actor agreed immediately without even asking about the details of his role.

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Presented by Jio Studios and produced under the banner of Mumbai Film Company, Raja Shivaji has reportedly collected Rs 52.66 crore net at the domestic box office across its Marathi and Hindi releases.