Riteish Deshmukh Says "Everyone Has Worked For Free" For Raja Shivaji
Updated on: 05 May, 2026 04:35 PM IST |Shweta Shah
Riteish Deshmukh reveals Raja Shivaji cast fees
Riteish Deshmukh is currently soaring high on the success of Raja Shivaji, his latest directorial that saw a theatrical release on May 1. The film starred an ensemble of a stellar cast, including a cameo by Salman Khan.
With Deshmukh playing the lead as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the film also starred Abhishek Bachchan, Genelia D`Souza, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Amol Gupte, Sanjay Dutt, Vidya Balan, Boman Irani, and Mahesh Manjrekar in prominent roles.
Raja Shivaji is creating a rampage by making a phenomenal collection of 33 crore in just three days. Now, in an interview, Riteish revealed the entire cast waived their fees and worked for free.
Riteish Deshmukh reveals Raja Shivaji cast fees
The actor-turned-director got candid about the commercials charged by each actor on the film ad and revealed, "Everyone has worked for free for Maharaj."
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“This Marathi film has got the most screens in Maharashtra. We have read all the books; the history of Maharaj is not something that can be contained in one film. It was our job to show this film without compromising on history. Salman Khan is my brother; he was in both my films. I was working on writing the film for three and a half years. All the big actors have worked for free in this film; everyone has worked for free for Maharaj,” he said.
He further added, “We have aired this film in Hindi and Marathi. Summer holidays are starting; this is a good opportunity for the entire family and young children to get information about Maharaj from this film.”
When Salman Khan insisted on being a part of Raja Shivaji
For Raja Shivaji, Riteish Deshmukh didn`t approach Salman Khan. It was the superstar who insisted on being a part of the period drama.
"I didn`t go to him for this film," he said, adding, "We were together on New Year`s." He asked when I was starting to shoot the movie. I said, `It`s starting this month.` He said, `Which role am I playing?`"
Also Read: 5 Actors Who Portrayed Shivaji Maharaj On Screen
When Deshmukh shared he hadn`t thought of Khan being a part of the film, the latter responded, "No, no, no... you can`t make the film without me. I have to be in it."
"That sense of warmth and belonging—that emotion... I was thinking I hadn`t really thought it through yet," the actor shared.
Produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh, Raja Shivaji has become a major box office success, grossing over 46.95 crore in the first five days. It has become the second highest-grossing Marathi film of all time.
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