Riteish Deshmukh’s latest directorial and acting venture Raja Shivaji has been gathering momentum at the box office. The historical action-drama, based on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, had already generated
strong curiosity for its scale, subject and impressive ensemble cast. Now, Riteish has revealed that several major actors came on board purely out of love and respect, without charging any fee.
In a recent interview with Live Times, Riteish shared that almost the entire Bollywood cast of Raja Shivaji worked on the film pro bono. According to him, the decision came from their deep reverence for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the personal bond they share with him.
Riteish Deshmukh On Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan And Others
Speaking about his equation with Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and other actors who are part of the film, Riteish said that some relationships cannot be easily defined. He described it as an unspoken bond built on love, trust and respect.
He said, “This is just unsaid kind of love and respect, unconditional, that you have for each other. If tomorrow Abhishek or Salman tells me, ‘What about this?’ I’ll say yes without even thinking because if he has thought of me, I have to be there.”
Riteish also revealed that Abhishek Bachchan did not even ask about the character before agreeing to be part of the film. Reflecting on the trust and goodwill he has received from his colleagues, he said, “This is what I have earned in 23 years. I am truly indebted to all of them.”
Actors Worked Pro Bono For Raja Shivaji
Riteish further said that the actors joined the film for the story and its emotional significance, rather than money. He revealed that Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan, Boman Irani, Genelia Deshmukh and he himself did not charge for the film.
He shared, “Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan, Boman Irani, Genelia Deshmukh, and I didn’t charge. We all have worked completely pro bono for this film to be what it is today.”
The actor-director added that remuneration was never part of the conversation when he approached his peers for the project.
Riteish Spent Over Three Years On Raja Shivaji
Riteish revealed that he spent more than three and a half years researching and scripting Raja Shivaji. The film brings together actors from both Bollywood and Marathi cinema, making it one of the most ambitious casting coups in recent times.
For Riteish, the project appears to be more than just another film. With a story rooted in the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a cast that came together out of respect for the subject, Raja Shivaji stands as a passion project shaped by faith, friendship and collective conviction.
