Salman Khan is reportedly set to make a special appearance in Riteish Deshmukh’s historical epic Raja Shivaji. Directed by Riteish, the film aims to bring the story of Maharashtra’s legendary warrior, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, to audiences across India and beyond. In a recent interview, Riteish spoke about his bond with Salman and shared how the superstar insisted on having a role in this epic saga.

Riteish Deshmukh on Salman insisting for Raja Shivaji

In an interview translated from Marathi, which was shared online by a fan handle, the actor said, “When I did Lai Bhaari, Salman Khan was in it. At the time, he requested, ‘I want to do a scene.’ When I was working on Ved, I called him and said, ‘Brother, I want to meet you.’ He said, ‘Done!’ I said, ‘When?’ He said, ‘For which role do you want to meet? It’s done.’ He just asked me, ‘How many days is the shoot?’ I said, ‘Two days,’ and he just said, ‘Done,’” Deshmukh shared.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Riteish Deshmukh (@riteishd)

However, the actor revealed that the dynamic was slightly different for Raja Shivaji. “I didn’t go to him for this film. We were together on New Year’s. He asked me when I was starting to shoot the movie. I said, ‘It’s starting this month.’ He said, ‘Which role am I playing?’”

He further revealed how the actor insisted on a role in the historical drama. “He said, ‘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 that I hadn’t really thought it through yet. He said, ‘I should have a role in the film.’ Then there was a role… and Salman Khan was also a part of this film.”

Salman Khan’s role in Raja Shivaji

The superstar will portray Jeeva Mahala, the courageous and loyal warrior who stood as one of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s most trusted aides. This defining act of courage will be a major highlight in the film, as his character may have a face-off with Sanjay Dutt. The film also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Boman Irani, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amol Gupte, and Genelia, among others. It is releasing in theatres on May 1, 2026.

Salman Khan has previously made cameo appearances in Riteish Deshmukh’s Lai Bhaari and the song “Ved Lavlay” from the film Ved.