Riteish DeshmukhThe directorial venture of ‘Raja Shivaji’ has garnered overwhelming response across Maharashtra. To mark the film’s success, the actor threw a celebratory party for the cast and crew, along with close friends from the industry. A video of the celebration went viral on social media, showing Riteish dancing on a Bollywood track wearing a T-shirt with Maharaj’s image on it. The clip sparked a backlash, with many calling it disrespectful and some calling it drunk. Responding to the controversy, Riteish has now shared a specific note, clarifying his stand and apologizing.
Riteish Deshmukh says he had no intention of disrespecting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Taking to his Instagram story, Riteish wrote, “To celebrate the unprecedented audience response to the recently released film Raja Shivaji, our entire team organized a small celebration. A video of mine related to this is going viral on social media. As a devotee of Shivaji Maharaj (Shivpremi) and a family man who values his audience, I feel it is my duty to clarify this. I humbly want to make it clear that while I was celebrating wearing a T-shirt with the image of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, I had no intention of being disrespectful in the slightest. I was wearing that shirt in the promotional campaign of the film. On that day too, after finishing the promotional work, I entered the event directly, and that’s why I needed to change my shirt.’
He further added: “Furthermore, regarding some of the claims being made about me on social media, I want to clarify that I have never consumed alcohol in my life, nor will I in the future. Therefore, any accusation in this context is completely far from the truth. It should be noted that the person who filmed this video was not even invited to the event in question. This event was organized to thank all the artists and colleagues who worked tirelessly for the film Raja Shivaji for three and a half years, both in front of and behind the camera. However, if my action hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely express my regret as Shivpremi. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a symbol of faith, inspiration and pride for all of us. I have immense respect, love and loyalty in my heart. This sentiment is as strong today and will be forever. Jai Shivray Yours, Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh”.
Riteish Deshmukh’s ‘Raja Shivaji’ becomes first Marathi film to cross Rs 120 crore
Released globally on May 1, ‘Raja Shivaji’ has made history as the first Marathi film to cross the Rs 120 crore mark at the box office. The film has an impressive ensemble cast along with Riteish Deshmukh Genelia DeshmukhSanjay Dutt, Abhishek BachchanVidya Balan, Sachin KhedekarBhagyashree, Amol Gupte, Jitendra Joshi and Mahesh Manjrekar.
