Riteish Deshmukh Hits Back At Bageshwar Baba’s Comments On Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: Distorted Nonsense

Actor-filmmaker Riteish Deshmukh has sharply criticised spiritual leader Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, known as Bageshwar Baba, over comments on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Calling the remarks “distorted nonsense” and “unacceptable”, Riteish said any move to weaken respect for the Maratha ruler’s legacy would face strong resistance, triggering a wider debate on public portrayals of historical icons.

The furore began after Bageshwar Baba spoke during the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Bhardurga Shaktisthal in Nagpur. In the speech, Bageshwar Baba described a moment where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj supposedly wished to withdraw from warfare, which many listeners viewed as a serious misreading of the ruler’s life and resolve.

Riteish Deshmukh Bageshwar Baba Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj row draws strong reaction

Responding on X, formerly Twitter, Riteish Deshmukh posted a detailed note in Marathi, writing as a devoted admirer of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He wrote, "When someone comes along and spews some distorted nonsense about our cherished deity, as a Shiv-premi and Shiv-bhakt, this is unacceptable and infuriating. Such futile attempts to belittle the legacy will not be tolerated at all."

Riteish also shared the same message in Marathi script. It read: "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"

What Bageshwar Baba said about Riteish Deshmukh Bageshwar Baba Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj episode

The criticism centres on one section of Bageshwar Baba’s speech. He reportedly said, "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj grew very tired of fighting wars; he felt exhausted. One day, he went to Ramdas Swami. He took off his crown and placed it down, saying, 'I do not want to fight wars anymore. You look after this crown; you handle this kingdom. We shall follow your orders. We can no longer fight; we are very tired and need rest. We wish to do nothing for a few days.'"

Opponents of the comments argue that this version portrays Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as weary and unwilling to continue, which they say clashes with historical accounts of determination. Many critics have therefore accused Bageshwar Baba of altering public memory of the ruler and misrepresenting the spirit of resistance associated with Shivaji’s rule.

Riteish Deshmukh Bageshwar Baba Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj controversy and the film Raja Shivaji

Riteish Deshmukh’s forceful reply arrives as work continues on Raja Shivaji, where Riteish plays Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The film explores Shivaji’s formative years, his idea of Swarajya, and his battles against dominant powers of that era, placing extra attention on the leader’s strategy, courage and administrative vision.

Backing the project are Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh through Mumbai Film Company, with presentation by Jio Studios. The cast includes Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Bhagyashree, Mahesh Manjrekar and Boman Irani in important roles. Raja Shivaji is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 1, adding more public focus to the ongoing debate.

Film	Lead Role	Producers	Presenter	Release Date
Raja Shivaji	Riteish Deshmukh as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj	Jyoti Deshpande, Genelia Deshmukh (Mumbai Film Company)	Jio Studios	May 1

Riteish Deshmukh’s statement, made while preparing to portray the Maratha ruler on screen, has become a key part of the reaction to Bageshwar Baba’s speech. With many people online echoing concern about historical distortion, the clash has highlighted how depictions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj continue to draw close public attention in Maharashtra and beyond.