Chandrakant Mandare To Mahesh Manjerekar, Marathi Actors Who Played Shivaji Maharaj On Screens

Actor Riteish Deshmukh is set to don the role of Shivaji Maharaj in his upcoming directorial venture titled Raja Shivaji. The bilingual film, to be made in Marathi and Hindi, marks Deshmukh’s return to the director’s chair following his successful debut with Ved. Given Shivaji Maharaj’s revered status in Marathi history, portraying his character on screen has been a recurring theme in Marathi cinema and television. Let’s delve into some notable instances where Marathi actors have brought the iconic ruler to life on screen.

Chandrakant Mandare

Chandrakant Mandare took on the titular role in the 1952 film Chhatrapati Shivaji, directed by Bhalji Pendharkar. His portrayal left an indelible mark, with the black-and-white movie also featuring Gajanan Jagirdhar, Lalita Pawar and Parshwanath in pivotal roles. Mandhare’s depiction of Chhatrapati Shivaji earned him acclaim and remains one of the most memorable performances in Marathi cinema.

Dr Amol Kolhe

Dr Amol Kolhe mesmerised audiences with his portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the superhit Marathi television serial Raja Shivchhatrapati, originally released in 2008 and directed by Hemant Devdhar. The historical drama’s depiction of Shivaji Maharaj resonated deeply with viewers, prompting a re-broadcast during the Covid-19 pandemic in April 2020. Kolhe further embodied the character in serials like Veer Shivaji and Swarajya Janani Jijamata.

Sharad Kelkar

Sharad Kelkar delivered a compelling performance as Shivaji Maharaj in the blockbuster film Tanhaji. Directed by Om Raut and starring Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan and Kajol, Kelkar’s portrayal garnered praise from both audiences and critics. The film’s success, earning over Rs 350 crore at the box office, underscored Kelkar’s impactful portrayal of the legendary ruler.

Mahesh Manjerekar

Mahesh Manjerekar portrayed Shivaji Maharaj in the Marathi film Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy, directed by Santosh Ramdas Manjrekar. Released in 2009 and starring Sachin Khedkar alongside Manjerekar, the film delved into Shivaji Maharaj’s enduring legacy and its relevance in contemporary times.

As Riteish Deshmukh steps into the shoes of Shivaji Maharaj for Raja Shivaji, he joins a lineage of actors who have honoured the legacy of the iconic ruler through their performances on screen. With each portrayal, these actors have contributed to preserving and celebrating Shivaji Maharaj’s rich history and legacy in Marathi culture.