Riteish Deshmukh Slams Bageshwar Baba Over Shivaji Maharaj Remark, Sparks Political Row in Maharashtra

Actor Riteish Deshmukh has strongly criticised controversial remarks made by self-styled godman Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, widely known as Bageshwar Baba, over Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, triggering fresh political and cultural tensions in Maharashtra.

The controversy began after Shastri, speaking at a temple foundation ceremony in Nagpur last week, claimed that Shivaji Maharaj had become “tired of fighting wars” and had offered his crown to saint Samarth Ramdas. The statement quickly went viral, drawing immediate backlash from political leaders, historians, and Shivaji supporters, many of whom questioned the historical basis of the claim.

Riteish Deshmukh, who is currently preparing to portray Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his upcoming historical film Raja Shivaji, reacted sharply to the remarks on social media.

In a post written in Marathi on X (formerly Twitter), Deshmukh called the comments “distorted nonsense” and said they were both “unacceptable and infuriating.”

“When someone comes forward and spreads distorted claims about a figure deeply respected by millions, it naturally causes anger among Shiv devotees,” the actor wrote, reflecting the sentiment shared by many in Maharashtra.

The Nagpur event where the remarks were made was attended by several high-profile leaders, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. As criticism mounted, Fadnavis distanced himself from the statement, clarifying that there is “no historical evidence” supporting Shastri’s version of events.

The incident has also sparked protests across Maharashtra. Congress workers staged demonstrations in Amravati, while members of the Sambhaji Brigade held protests in Nagpur, accusing Shastri of distorting Maratha history and disrespecting Shivaji Maharaj.

Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal also joined the criticism, arguing that attempts to directly connect Shivaji Maharaj with Samarth Ramdas in this context are historically inaccurate and misleading.

The latest controversy once again highlights the emotional and political significance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra. References to the 17th-century Maratha ruler often attract intense public scrutiny, especially when historical claims are seen as revisionist or unsupported.

The debate also comes at a time when historical storytelling is under renewed focus in cinema. Deshmukh’s upcoming film Raja Shivaji, one of the year’s most anticipated Marathi historical dramas, recently released its trailer featuring grand battle scenes, royal court politics, and a retelling of Shivaji Maharaj’s rise. The film also marks the screen debut of Deshmukh’s son, Rahyl Deshmukh, adding a personal milestone to the project.

With both political tempers and public emotions running high, the controversy is likely to keep discussions around history, faith, and cultural representation in the spotlight for days to come.