Refined & Expanded Article: Riteish Deshmukh Reveals Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Others Worked for Free in Raja Shivaji

Riteish Deshmukh has revealed an emotional behind-the-scenes story about the making of Raja Shivaji, sharing that several Bollywood stars, including Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Vidya Balan, chose not to charge any fee for their roles in the film.

The historical drama, based on the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has emerged as one of the biggest Marathi film releases of 2026 and has received praise for its scale, performances and emotional storytelling.

Stars Joined the Film Out of Respect for Shivaji Maharaj

Speaking in an interview with Dainik Bhaskar, Riteish confirmed that many actors agreed to be part of the project purely out of admiration and devotion towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

“When I narrated the story to Abhishek Bachchan and told him I was directing a film on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he immediately said he did not want money. He jokingly told me he only wanted thecha made by my mother,” Riteish shared.

The actor-filmmaker further revealed that actors like Vidya Balan, Boman Irani and Fardeen Khan also worked on the film without charging any remuneration.

Riteish added that even he and his wife Genelia Deshmukh did not take any payment for acting, directing or producing the project.

Salman Khan’s Special Cameo Surprised Fans

One of the biggest highlights of the film has been Salman Khan’s cameo appearance as legendary warrior Jiva Mahala. Though his role is brief, fans have praised the superstar’s intense screen presence and action sequences.

According to Riteish, Salman himself expressed interest in joining the film.

“Salman Bhau told me, ‘If you are making this film, write a role for me too. You cannot make this film without me,’” Riteish revealed.

The filmmaker said he wanted Salman’s appearance to leave a lasting impact on audiences and designed the role carefully to match the actor’s larger-than-life personality.

Social media reactions to Salman’s warrior look have been overwhelmingly positive, with several clips and stills from the film going viral online.

Raja Shivaji Emerges as a Major Marathi Blockbuster

Apart from its star-studded cast, Raja Shivaji has also impressed audiences with its grand production scale, battle sequences and emotional portrayal of Maratha history.

The film reportedly collected over Rs 62 crore in gross earnings within its first week, making it one of the highest-grossing Marathi films in recent years.

Industry observers believe the film’s success proves that regional cinema backed by strong storytelling and cultural pride can attract nationwide attention.

Why the Film Is Creating Buzz

The film has generated strong emotional resonance among audiences because it combines historical pride with mainstream cinematic appeal. The involvement of major Bollywood names without financial motives has further strengthened public interest around the project.

Fans have especially appreciated the collaborative spirit shown by the cast, with many calling it a “tribute film” rather than just a commercial release.

With positive word-of-mouth continuing to grow, Raja Shivaji is expected to maintain a strong box office run in the coming weeks.