Burhanpur Villagers Dig for Mughal Treasure Overnight, Inspired by Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava

Ziya Khan 3 weeks agoLast Updated: March 9, 2025

It seems that the people in India are learning history from Bollywood movies. Yes, you read it right. In an extraordinary incident in Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, villagers embarked on a treasure hunt after being inspired by the Bollywood film Chhaava, featuring Vicky Kaushal. The movie, which depicts historical events, sparked rumors that Mughal-era gold coins were buried near Asirgarh Fort. Intrigued by these legends, locals began excavating fields using flashlights and metal detectors, hoping to uncover hidden riches.

The digging commenced around 7 PM and continued until 3 AM, with villagers working diligently throughout the night. This enthusiasm was fueled by long-standing myths linking Asirgarh Fort to buried treasures. However, after extensive efforts, no substantial evidence or treasures were found.Authorities intervened once videos of the excavation activities went viral on social media. The police issued warnings against unauthorized digging, emphasizing the potential dangers and legal repercussions of such actions. They urged the public to dismiss unfounded rumors and to refrain from participating in illegal activities.

This event highlights the significant influence of media on public perception and behavior. Although Chhaava is a fictional work, its portrayal of Burhanpur’s historical context appears to have blurred the lines between reality and imagination for some viewers. Experts caution against interpreting cinematic representations as historical facts, particularly when such interpretations encourage actions that disregard legal and safety standards.Asirgarh Fort is historically significant, often associated with Mughal Emperor Akbar and legends of hidden treasures from Mughal campaigns against the Marathas. The recent film Chhaava has seemingly revitalized these ancient tales, prompting locals to seek out the elusive treasure.

Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava is an Indian historical action film that chronicles the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire, with Vicky Kaushal in the lead role. The movie includes scenes suggesting that Mughal forces plundered treasures from the Marathas and concealed them in Asirgarh Fort.