Actor-director Riteish Deshmukh has revealed a surprising fact about his film Raja Shivaji. Despite featuring a massive star cast, several actors chose to work without charging any fees for the project.
The historical film, based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, released on May 1, 2026, and has already created a strong buzz at the box office.
“This Is What I Earned in 23 Years” – Riteish Deshmukh
In a recent interview, Riteish Deshmukh spoke about the emotional bond he shares with his co-stars.
“This is something I’ve earned over 23 years — love and respect that cannot be described in words,” he said.
Talking about stars like Salman Khan and Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish added:
“If they ask me about a film, I would say yes without thinking. That’s the kind of trust we share.”
These Stars Did Not Take Any Fees
Riteish confirmed that several big names in the industry came together purely out of respect for the story and their bond, without any financial expectations.
Actors who reportedly worked without fees:
- Salman Khan
- Abhishek Bachchan
- Vidya Balan
- Fardeen Khan
- Boman Irani
- Genelia D’Souza
- Riteish Deshmukh himself
“All of us worked on this film without charging a single rupee,” he revealed.
Interestingly, Riteish also shared that Abhishek Bachchan did not even ask about his role, highlighting the level of trust involved.
About the Film: A Grand Historical Epic
Raja Shivaji is a biographical historical drama directed by Riteish Deshmukh and released in both Hindi and Marathi.
Key details:
- Producer: Genelia Deshmukh & Jyoti Deshpande
- Lead Roles: Riteish Deshmukh (Shivaji Maharaj), Genelia (Saibai)
- Young Shivaji: Played by their sons Rahil and Riaan
Supporting cast includes:
- Sanjay Dutt
- Abhishek Bachchan
- Mahesh Manjrekar
- Sachin Khedekar
- Bhagyashree
- Fardeen Khan
- Amol Gupte
A Film Built on Respect, Not Money
The decision of multiple stars to waive their fees reflects something rare in Bollywood — collaboration driven by respect, emotion, and shared vision.
In an industry known for massive paychecks, Raja Shivaji stands out as a story powered by relationships.
