Mumbai: Bollywood actors Bhagyashree and Vidya Balan attend the trailer launch of the upcoming film ‘Raja Shivaji’ in Mumbai on Monday, April 20, 2026. (Photo: IANS)
Mumbai, April 20 (IANS) Actress Bhagyashree will soon be seen essaying the role of Jijau in Riteish Deshmukh's period drama "Raja Shivaji".
For Bhagyashree, the project holds a deep meaning as it brings to life the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. “Chhatrapati Maharaj is the gold of our country and we have brought him home,” she shared.
The 'Maine Pyar Kiya' actress further credited Genelia Deshmukh and Riteish Deshmukh for making the project possible.
“Thanks to them for bringing this story to life," she added.
Shedding further light on her role as Jijau, Bhagyashree described it as a humbling experience.
“I am extremely humbled to play Jijau. She is not just a mother; she was the strength, the mountain, and the solid foundation that shaped her children,” she shared.
Emphasising the resilience of Jijau, she added, “Har anyay ke aage voh dat kar khadi rehti hai,” she went on to add.
Calling it more than just a role, Bhagyashree concluded, saying “It’s not only a pleasure, it’s an honour… I’m truly thankful I get to portray such powerful characters."
Meanwhile, speaking during the trailer launch event of "Raja Shivaji", Bhagyashree recalled an adorable moment between Genelia and Riteish.
She stated that during the shoot, once Riteish got so busy that he did not get the time to have dinner, and a concerned Genelia ran behind him with a plate full of food, urging him to have something.
Sharing the incident, Bhagyashree said, "I remember one scene. Like Jijabai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja's mother) used to feed Shivaji Raje, the director (Riteish) was so busy that it was late at night, and we had all eaten, but he was busy setting up the shots. So our producer (Genelia) was going behind him with a plate of roti and vegetables, asking him to eat one bite. So that's what love is."
Backed by Mumbai Film Company in association with Jio Studios, the core cast of the drama further includes Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, and Amole Gupte.
Sanjay Dutt says Riteish Deshmukh never scolded him on ‘Raja Shivaji’ sets
Actor Sanjay Dutt, who is set to essay the role of Afzal Khan in the upcoming film ‘Raja Shivaji’, has heaped praise on the film’s director, and his friend Riteish Deshmukh.
The actor attended the trailer launch of the film in Mumbai on Monday, where he spoke about sharing a long history with his friend.
He told the media, “Riteish is my younger brother, and we go back a long way with our fathers together. I really enjoyed working in the film. Thanks to Jyoti, thanks to everybody, thanks to the cast. And one thing, I would like to say, I am not like Afzal Khan”.
Sharing his experience of working on the film, the actor said, “It was very difficult. He does not scold. He does whatever he wants. It was a pleasure to see Ritesh. He directed this film so well. He was so dedicated. Absolute pleasure. Thank you brother”.
Meanwhile, ‘Raja Shivaji’, helmed by Riteish Deshmukh, portrays the legacy of the Maratha warrior-king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film blends visual grandeur with a deeply emotional and inspiring narrative rooted in the birth of Swarajya. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the founder of the Maratha Empire in western India.
He established an independent kingdom by challenging the Deccan Sultanates and the Mughal Empire. In 1663, Shivaji led a successful raid on Pune, targeting Mughal general Shaista Khan, which weakened Mughal control in the region. In 1664, Shivaji conducted the first sack of Surat, a major Mughal port city, disrupting imperial trade. ‘Raja Shivaji’ stars Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Boman Irani, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amol Gupte, Genelia Deshmukh, and Riteish Deshmukh. Presented by Jio Studios, Raja Shivaji a Mumbai Film Company production, produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh, the film is set to release in cinemas worldwide on May 1, 2026 in Marathi, Hindi, and Telugu.
