Raja Shivaji, the historical action-drama released on May 1, 2026, boasts a dream ensemble who joined out of pure love—waiving fees entirely. Riteish Deshmukh (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj) revealed to Live Times how bonds with Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, and others made it possible without financial discussions. Riteish named Salman Khan (cameo), Abhishek Bachchan (Sambhaji Shahaji Bhosale), Vidya Balan (Khadija Sultana), Fardeen Khan, Boman Irani, Genelia Deshmukh, and himself as no-fee contributors. “We all worked completely pro bono for this film to be what it is today,” he said.
Speaking to Live Times, Riteish Deshmukh revealed that many of the cast members, including Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan, Boman Irani, Genelia Deshmukh, and himself, decided to waive their fees for the project.
He said:
“Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan, Boman Irani, Genelia Deshmukh, and I didn’t charge. We all worked completely pro bono for this film to be what it is today.”
According to Riteish, the decision was driven purely by personal bonds, trust, and mutual respect rather than commercial considerations.
“Unconditional Love and Respect”: Riteish Deshmukh
Explaining the emotional connection behind the collaboration, Riteish Deshmukh said the film was made possible because of long-standing friendships in the industry.
“This is just an unsaid kind of love and respect, unconditional, that you have for each other.”
He further added that his relationships with actors like Salman Khan and Abhishek Bachchan played a key role in their involvement in the film.
“If tomorrow Abhishek or Salman tells me, ‘What about this?’ I’ll say yes without even thinking.”
The actor also reflected on how these bonds have been built over more than two decades of working in the industry.
“This is what I have earned in 23 years. I am truly indebted to all of them.”
Abhishek Bachchan Joined Without Even Asking Details
Riteish also shared an interesting anecdote about Abhishek Bachchan, saying the actor agreed to be part of Raja Shivaji without even asking for character details.
The gesture, he said, reflected the deep trust and comfort shared between them.
About Raja Shivaji
Backed by Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company, Raja Shivaji is a large-scale historical drama that chronicles the early life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his rise against dominant powers to establish Hindavi Swarajya.
The film features an extensive ensemble cast including Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Boman Irani, Amol Gupte, and Genelia Deshmukh, with Salman Khan also making a cameo appearance.
Critical Response
Early reviews have highlighted the film’s ambitious scale and performances. NDTV noted that while the film occasionally leans into heavy dramatization, it stands out for its strong character writing, especially for its female roles, including Jijabai and Saibai.
The powerful performances and unusual behind-the-scenes story of actors working without remuneration, Raja Shivaji has become one of the most talked-about historical films of the year. As Riteish Deshmukh puts it, the project is less about money and more about “unconditional respect” shared among colleagues in the industry Raja Shivaji cast, Riteish Deshmukh Raja Shivaji, Salman Khan no fee film, Abhishek Bachchan Raja Shivaji role, Vidya Balan Raja Shivaji, Bollywood actors worked free, Raja Shivaji movie review, Chhatrapati Shivaji film 2026, Raja Shivaji release date May 1 2026
