Riteish Deshmukh Slams Bageshwar Baba’s Remarks on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: “Unacceptable and Infuriating”
Actor Riteish Deshmukh has issued a stinging rebuke to spiritual leader Bageshwar Baba following controversial remarks regarding Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The actor, who is currently preparing to bring the Maratha legend to life in his upcoming epic Raja Shivaji, took to social media to defend the legacy of the warrior king.
The controversy erupted after a speech by Bageshwar Baba surfaced, in which he claimed that Shivaji Maharaj had grown weary of warfare and offered his crown to his guru, Ramdas Swami, seeking rest. These comments sparked immediate outrage across Maharashtra, with critics accusing the spiritual leader of distorting historical facts.
A Powerful Response in Marathi
Expressing his fury on X (formerly Twitter), Riteish posted a message in Marathi that resonated with “Shiv-bhakts” (devotees) and “Shiv-premis” (admirers) alike.
On Historical Distortions: Riteish stated that spreading “false and twisted claims” about such a revered figure is “unacceptable and deeply infuriating.”
An Eternal Legacy: He compared the king’s name to the Sahyadri mountain ranges, asserting that while mountains stand for millions of years, Shivaji Maharaj’s inspiration will endure for “crores of years.”
Defending the Crown: He concluded by reaffirming the ruler’s status as the “Lord of the Throne” and the “Emperor of Emperors,” vowing that attempts to diminish his towering legacy would never succeed.
कोणीतरी येतो आणि आपल्या आराध्य दैवताबद्दल काहीतरी विकृत बरळतो, एक शिवप्रेमी-शिवभक्त म्हणून हे अमान्य आणि संतापजनक आहे.
असले चौकटीत अडकवण्याचे फोल प्रयत्न काळाच्या उदरात गडप होतील. पण सह्याद्रीच्या पर्वतरांगा जशा लाखो वर्ष आधी होत्या तसंच ‘ते’ एकच नाव करोडो वर्ष भविष्यातही राहील.…— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) April 26, 2026
‘Raja Shivaji’ and the Vision of Swarajya
The timing of this defense is significant as Riteish prepares for the May 1, 2026, release of his ambitious historical drama, Raja Shivaji.
Focus of the Film: The movie focuses on the early life and indomitable spirit of the legendary ruler as he laid the foundation for Swarajya (self-rule).
Star-Studded Production: Backed by Jio Studios and produced by Genelia Deshmukh’s Mumbai Film Company, the project features a powerhouse cast including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Bhagyashree, Mahesh Manjrekar, and Boman Irani.
As the state prepares to celebrate Maharashtra Day on May 1, Riteish’s vocal stance has further heightened anticipation for the film, which aims to present an authentic and respectful portrayal of the Maratha icon.
