A celebratory moment quickly turned into a controversy for actor-director Riteish Deshmukh. A video from the success party of his Marathi directorial Raja Shivaji went viral, showing him dancing to a Bollywood track while wearing a T-shirt bearing the image of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The clip drew sharp criticism online, with many branding the act disrespectful, while others alleged he appeared intoxicated.
Riteish wasted no time addressing the uproar, taking to his Instagram Story with a detailed clarification and a heartfelt apology.
“I did not have the slightest intention of disrespecting him”
In his statement, Riteish explained that the T-shirt had been part of the film’s promotional campaign and that he had joined the party directly after wrapping promotional work, leaving him no time to change. He said, “While celebrating while wearing a T-shirt featuring the image of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, I did not have the slightest intention of disrespecting him.”
He firmly denied the alcohol allegations, stating he had never consumed alcohol in his life and never would, calling such claims “completely far from the truth.” He also noted that the individual who filmed the video had not been invited to the event.
Riteish concluded his note with a sincere apology, writing, “If anyone’s sentiments were hurt by my action, I sincerely express my regret as a Shivpremi.”
Historic box office run for Raja Shivaji
Beyond the controversy, Raja Shivaji has been riding an extraordinary wave of success. Released on 1 May, the film became the first Marathi film ever to cross the Rs 100 crores mark at the box office. The ensemble cast includes Genelia Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Amol Gupte, Jitendra Joshi, and Mahesh Manjrekar.
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