Paras Arora Explains How Veer Shivaji Changed His Life; Roots For Riteish Deshmukh's Raja Shivaji – EXCLUSIVE

Paras

Arora is probably the first actor in the Hindi TV industry to play Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the small screen. For the unversed, he played the younger version of the Maratha king in a popular TV show, Veer Shivaji. Recently, in an exclusive interaction with Zoom/Telly Talk India, Paras recalled the success he got from Veer Shivaji and revealed how the role changed his life. The actor has also given a shoutout to Riteish Deshmukh’s Raja Shivaji, which was released in theatres on May 1, 2026. Paras confessed that he is very excited to watch Raja Shivaji. Excerpts –

Veer Shivaji Gave Me Recognition: Paras Arora

You are probably the first one to play Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on TV. How does it feel since people from various regions will now get a chance to learn more about the Maratha king through Raja Shivaji? Yes, I am probably the first actor to play the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the small screen. Due to that show, I got to know a lot about Maharaj not only from Maharashtra but also from every corner of our country. It was my first opportunity in my life. Veer Shivaji was my first show that gave me recognition. I started my career with the blessings of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Since the film is now coming in Hindi and Marathi, people will get a chance to know more about Maharaj.

What is your take on Riteish Deshmukh playing Raja Shivaji? I am very excited to see Riteish Deshmukh ji as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He is perfect for the role. It was his dream to make a film on Maharaj's life. He has given his best in making the film. Since he is so much attached to the project emotionally, he must have given his 200 per cent to do justice to the iconic character.

Paras Arora’s Favourite Chapter Of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Life

While working as Maharaj in Veer Shivaji, which is that one chapter of his life that inspires you the most? I got an opportunity to shoot the Torna Fort battle sequence on the show. He had won the fort at the age of 16. His line after winning, 'Hindavi Swarajya Vhave Hich Shrinchi Iccha', is my favourite. He sacrificed a lot for Hindutva and spread awareness.

Despite Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's contribution to India, people still consider him a Maratha king and restrict him to Maharashtra. What is your take on it? I feel people apart from Maharashtra, other states' people, don't have enough information about Maharaj's work and sacrifice for Hindavi Swarajya. Now, through this film, Raja Shivaji, they will get to know about him. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's fight was not only for Maharashtra but for the entire country. He taught people to fight for their religion and rights.

Paras Arora On Things He Learnt From Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

What are the things that you learnt while working on Veer Shivaji? While working on Veer Shivaji, I learnt horse riding, sword fighting, danpatta and Malkham. During the shoot, I understood how things work in the world and how you have to take a stand for yourself and others. I got knowledge about religion and values. I understood how humanity is so important in today's world. Maharaj never fought for only Hindus. Good Muslims of that time would work with Maharaj to fight for the right things. Veer Shivaji is the life-changing show of my life. I get a lot of respect for playing Veer Shivaji. The aged-people would come and touch my feet then. I am grateful to Maharaj. Many people judged me for a non-Maharashtrian playing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the screen. With his blessings, I managed to do it.

How excited are you to watch Raja Shivaji in the theatre? I am very excited to watch the film in theatres. I am back in town. I will definitely plan to watch Raja Shivaji on the big screen. Coming back to Raja Shivaji, the film has been directed by Riteish Deshmukh. It also features Genelia, Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Vidya Balan, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Sachin Khedekar, Siddharth Jadhav, Mahesh Manjrekar, Amole Gupte and others in pivotal roles. Salman Khan has made a special appearance as Jiva Mahale in the magnum opus that released in Marathi, Hindi and Telugu. Stay tuned for more updates!