'You Can't Make The Film Without Me': Riteish Deshmukh Reveals How Salman Khan Joined Raja Shivaji

Riteish Deshmukh’s directorial venture Raja Shivaji, based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is one of the most-awaited films of 2026. Starring Riteish, Genelia Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Bhagyashree, and Fardeen Khan, the film is all set to hit theatres on May 1. Interestingly, the film will also feature Salman Khan in a special role. Recently, in an interaction, Riteish revealed that he hadn’t originally approached Salman for the cameo, and went on to share how the superstar eventually came on board.

According to NDTV, Riteish Deshmukh revealed that he hadn’t approached Salman Khan for the film. He shared that the two were together on New Year’s when Salman asked him about the shoot. The actor said, “He asked when I

was starting to shoot the movie. I said, ‘It’s starting this month.’ He said, ‘Which role am I playing?'”

When Riteish shared that he hadn’t thought of Salman for the film, the superstar’s response was, “No, no, no… You can’t make the film without me. I have to be in it. That sense of warmth and belonging—that emotion… I was thinking I hadn’t really thought it through yet.”

During the same conversation, Riteish recalled how Salman Khan also featured in special appearances in Ved and Lai Bhaari. He added, “When I did Lai Bhaari, Salman Khan was in it. At the time, he requested, ‘I want to do a scene.’ When I was working on Ved, I called him and said, ‘Brother, I want to meet you.’ He said, ‘Done!’ I said, ‘When?’ He said, ‘For which role? You want to meet—it’s done.’ He just asked, ‘How many days is the shoot?’ I said, ‘Two days,’ and he just said, ‘Done’.”

Meanwhile, Raja Shivaji has raised excitement among the audience with its impressive trailer. People are looking forward to watching the historical saga on the big screen. It will also mark Riteish and Genelia’s son Rahyl’s acting debut.