Subodh Bhave Neem Karoli will play the role of spiritual leader Baba in “Shree Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj” which will release on May 29, 2026 across India. The actor, who is known for Marathi films like “Har Har Mahadev” and “Vaalvi”, will portray the saint in a film directed by the saint. Sharad Singh Thakur. The story focuses on the life, teachings, faith, compassion and spiritual influence of Neem Karoli Baba.
Subodh Bhave playing Neem Karoli Baba
Bhave said director Sharad Singh Thakur worked on the film for several years before putting the project together. In January 2025, he recalled his first audition with a fellow writer.“When Sharad ji wanted to make this film, he had been working on it for 4-5 years. Earlier he tried to get the cast and crew together, but it didn’t work out. In January 2025, I got to know through a writer friend that he wanted to meet me. When we met, he told me about his vision of making a film about Baba and wanted me to play the role. At that time, I didn’t know much about him, I only saw his picture and heard about him. It was through Sharad ji that I really got to know Baba and his life.”Bhave said he believes such roles come to actors for a reason. “I always feel that when we are making a film about a saint, it is not the actor who chooses the character. The character chooses the actor. In my case, I feel Baba chose me to portray him.”
‘Shree Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj’ cast and release details
Director Bhave also spoke about his preparation for the film. “Sharad ji spent years understanding Baba’s life, meeting the people who lived with him and also interacting with his family. He shared all the details and practices he followed during those years. When your director comes with that level of preparation, you don’t need to look anywhere else. You simply listen and absorb everything.’The actor said that the role required surrender rather than acting. “As an actor, you often want to act, but here, you don’t have to do anything. Baba does everything, you just have to remain devoted and surrender yourself.”He added, “Whatever has been done in the film, I feel that He has done it through me. If people appreciate my performance, it’s Baba’s blessings, if there are mistakes, they are mine.”The film also stars Hiten Tejwani, Samiksha Bhatnagar, Mohit Gupta, Hemant Pandey, Aaratii Naagpal, Varsha Manikchand, Hardeep Kaur, Aniruddh Dave and Garima Agarwal. The film is produced by Balram Garg, Balvir Singh, Sharad Singh Thakur, Khadag Singh Gaur and Neelam Singh.
