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Riteish Deshmukh fans are eagerly waiting for May 1 as his historical saga Raja Shivaji, based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, hits theatres. The film’s trailer was launched a few days back and opened to positive reviews. The film also stars a cameo by Salman Khan. In a recent chat, Deshmukh revealed how Khan himself was adamant on being a part of the project.

In a recent interaction, Riteish Deshmukh revealed that Salman Khan himself came on board for the film. He said, "I didn't go to him for this film. We were together on New Year's. He asked when I was starting to shoot the movie. I said, 'It's starting this month.' He said, 'Which role am I playing?'"

When Riteish shared that he hadn't thought of Salman for the film, Salman's instant response was, "No, no, no... you can't make the film without me. I have to be in it."

"That sense of warmth and belonging—that emotion... I was thinking I hadn't really thought it through yet," Riteish added.

 Mumbai Film Company

Riteish further added that Salman has always been a part of his films, "When I did Lai Bhaari, Salman Khan was in it. At the time, he requested, 'I want to do a scene.' When I was working on Ved, I called him and said, 'Brother, I want to meet you.' He said, 'Done!' I said, 'When?' He said, 'For which role? You want to meet—it's done.' He just asked, 'How many days is the shoot?' I said, 'Two days,' and he just said, 'Done.'"

At the trailer launch, Riteish spoke about the long, difficult journey behind the film. "It's been 10 years... I first wanted to play Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 2016, but it didn't happen. Then I tried again, and COVID happened," he said, fighting back tears. "It felt like Shivaji Maharaj was telling me, 'Wait, my child... it's not the right time.'"

Raja Shivaji is a cinematic dramatization of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's life, the founder of Maratha Empire.

Lead and social image credits: Mumbai Film Company