Riteish Deshmukh marked the celebration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti with a meaningful visit to Shivneri Fort, a site steeped in history. He described the day as a significant and blessed occasion, highlighting Maharaj’s relentless spirit and the sacrifices that shaped the country. Deshmukh believes that introducing children’s stories of Maharaj is crucial for nurturing a virtuous society.

On the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti (birth anniversary), Riteish Deshmukh visited the birthplace of the warrior Maratha emperor, the Shivneri Fort. The actor bowed down before the idol and expressed his feelings about it. Deshmukh shared that it is an auspicious day for every person who idolizes Maharaj. Let’s take a look at it.

Riteish Deshmukh speaks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

On the Shivneri Fort in Pune, Riteish Deshmukh was asked to share his thoughts. To which he said, “Aaj ka din bada hi saubhagya ka din hai. Aaj ke din humare chhatrapati shivaji maharaj ka janm hua tha. Unki keerti aur unka shourya, yeh sabhi logo ko pata hai. Aur itne varsho ke baad bhi woh humein nayi urja dete hai, nayi prerna dete hai… yeh prerna sabhi ko prapt ho yehi mein akansha aur shubhecha deta hu (Today is a very auspicious day. On this day, our Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born. His glory and his bravery are known to everyone. Even after so many years, he continues to give us new energy and new inspiration… I wish and hope that everyone receives this inspiration).”

The actor is set to portray the role of the Maratha emperor in his upcoming film ‘Raja Shivaji’. When asked about the same, Riteish said, “Yeh wakt nahi hai aanewali filmo ke baare me baat karne ka (This is not the time to talk about upcoming films).”

Riteish Deshmukh on enthusiasm among the youth on Shiv Jayanti

A reporter stated there is a lot of enthusiasm among the youth on this day and asked what the actor would like to say about it. Riteish answered, “Mujhe lagta hai ki sabhi log jo shiv bhakt hai, shiv premi hai… unko pata hai ki Maharaj ki prerna kya hoti hai… unhone iss Rashtra ke liye kya kia hai, kya balidan diye hai… aur aaj bhi unki gaathayein mujhe lagta hai sabhi bachcho ko sunani chahiye, unsey prerit humein hokar ek acha insan banne ki koshish karni chahiye (I believe that all those who are devotees and admirers of Shivaji Maharaj know what his inspiration truly means… what he did for this nation and the sacrifices he made. Even today, I feel his stories should be told to every child, and we should be inspired by him to try to become better human beings).”

More about ‘Raja Shivaji’

Riteish Deshmukh is set to play the titular role in the movie. The star cast also includes Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amole Gupte, and Genelia Deshmukh. The film is reportedly set for May 2026 release.