Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff has been chosen as the face of Maharashtra’s newly launched ‘Maha-Deva’ football initiative, a state-backed programme aimed at identifying and promoting young talent from rural
and tribal regions. The announcement was made on Monday, alongside details of a long-term plan to give budding players access to global training opportunities.
As part of the initiative, the government is exploring a collaboration with international football icon Lionel Messi to further elevate the programme’s visibility and attract attention to emerging athletes from underserved areas.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the development after the signing of a five-year agreement, emphasising the programme’s objective of widening access to professional platforms. “The ‘Maha-Deva’ football initiative will provide an international platform to players from rural areas,” he said.
🤝CM Devendra Fadnavis presided over the MoU signing and exchange between School Education & Sports Department of Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) and actor Tiger Shroff to give a boost to Maharashtra’s ‘Maha-Deva’ Football initiative.… pic.twitter.com/7jMqLr10he
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) November 17, 2025
Shroff will front a series of outreach activities, including promotional events and digital campaigns intended to raise awareness across the state. Expressing his support, the actor said he is “grateful for the opportunity to contribute in whatever way I can to the growth of sports in our state.” He added that many young players possess strong potential but need the right guidance to progress.
The partnership agreement has been formalised between the School Education and Sports Department, the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), and the actor.
Under the programme, 30 boys and 30 girls will be selected through the Western India Football Association (WIFA). These participants will receive structured football training, academic assistance, and opportunities to gain exposure at the international level.
On the professional front, Shroff, who was last seen in Baaghi 4, is preparing for his next project, a spiritual action thriller directed by Ram Madhvani, with filming scheduled to begin in 2026. For the same, he will soon begin an intense training as well. While Tiger has been finalised as the male lead, makers are still hunting for a female opposite him and no name has been decided as of now. Produced by Mahaveer Jain Films and Ram Madhvani Films, this movie is said to be something which has ‘never been attempted before’ in Indian cinema.
