Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a legendary figure in Indian history, known for his remarkable military skills and his vision of establishing a sovereign Maratha state in western India during the 17th century. Every year on April 3rd, the death anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is observed in honor of the fearless Maratha warrior king and his immense bravery on the battlefield. Shivaji Maharaj established the Maratha Empire and gained widespread recognition for his military tactics, leadership abilities, and courage. 

Over the years, many actors have played the iconic character on screen, bringing his story to life for audiences around the world. In this article, we will look at some of the most memorable portrayals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by actors.

Sharad Kelkar in "Tanhaji" (2020)

Sharad Kelkar had the opportunity to play the legendary Maratha king, Raje Shivaji, in Om Raut's 2020 movie Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. The film was a blockbuster hit, and the titular role of Tanhaji was played by Ajay Devgn, while Saif Ali Khan essayed the role of the antagonist Udaybhan Singh Rathore.

Amol Kolhe in "Raja Shivchhatrapati" (2008)

In 2008, Marathi actor Amol Kolhe played Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the television series "Raja Shivchhatrapati". The series, which was directed by Chandrakant Kulkarni, was a huge success and is considered one of the best portrayals of the legendary king on screen.

Mahesh Manjerkar in "Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy" (2009)

In the 2009 film Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy, Shivaji served as the imaginary best friend of a marginalised Marathi middle-class man. This film marked the first instance of the great Maratha king being portrayed in such a way. The movie was directed by Santosh Manjrekar and produced by Sanjay Chhabria and Ashwami Manjrekar.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak in "Gopal Krishna" (1929)

One of the earliest portrayals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on screen was by Indian independence activist and politician Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Tilak played the character in the 1929 film "Gopal Krishna", which was directed by V. Shantaram. While Tilak was not a professional actor, his performance in the film is remembered to this day for its authenticity and power.

Akshay Kumar as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in "Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat"

Recently, Akshay Kumar commenced filming for his debut Marathi film Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat in Mumbai, where he will portray the character of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The forthcoming period drama is directed by Mahesh Manjrekar and is expected to release next year. 

In conclusion, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a legendary figure in Indian history, and his story has been brought to life on screen by many talented actors over the years. While each portrayal is unique in its own way, they all share a deep respect for the character and his legacy, and have helped to keep his memory alive for generations to come.

- PTC PUNJABI