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Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2026: Actors who portrayed the Maratha king on screen

Updated On: 19 February, 2026 12:44 PM IST | Aakruti Bagla

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a key figure in Indian history whose life and journey have been a prominent subject of several films and shows. And a selective few actors have had the opportunity to play the prominent figure on the screens. From Mahesh Manjrekar to Sharad Kelkar, here are a few actors who stepped into the shoes of the legendary Maratha warrior king.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a key figure in Indian history whose life and journey have been a prominent subject of several films and shows. And a selective few actors have had the opportunity to play the prominent figure on the screens. From Mahesh Manjrekar to Sharad Kelkar, here are a few actors who stepped into the shoes of the legendary Maratha warrior king.

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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a key figure in Indian history whose life and journey have been a prominent subject of several films and shows. And a selective few actors have had the opportunity to play the prominent figure on the screens. From Mahesh Manjrekar to Sharad Kelkar, here are a few actors who stepped into the shoes of the legendary Maratha warrior king.
<p>Riteish Deshmukh is all set to mark his directorial debut with Raja Shivaji, in which he will trace the life of maratha varrior and even step into his shoes. The flick is slated to release next year.</p>

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Riteish Deshmukh is all set to mark his directorial debut with Raja Shivaji, in which he will trace the life of maratha varrior and even step into his shoes. The flick is slated to release next year.

<p>2027 is all set to witness another film about Chhatrapati Shivaji, portrayed by Rishabh Shetty. Directed by Sandeep Singh, The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj`s first look of the film was unveiled on the 395th birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj.</p>

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2027 is all set to witness another film about Chhatrapati Shivaji, portrayed by Rishabh Shetty. Directed by Sandeep Singh, The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj`s first look of the film was unveiled on the 395th birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj.

<p>Naseeruddin Shah, the veteran actor, stepped into the shoes of the Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Shyam Benegal&rsquo;s Bharat Ek Khoj: Shivaji: Part 1, the 1988 historical drama series.</p>

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Naseeruddin Shah, the veteran actor, stepped into the shoes of the Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Shyam Benegal’s Bharat Ek Khoj: Shivaji: Part 1, the 1988 historical drama series.

<p>Sharad Kelkar&rsquo;s dedicated outing as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior brought a wider audience to the portrayal of the Maratha king. The actor emphasised Maharaj&rsquo;s strategic brilliance and unwavering resolve, cementing him as a powerhouse performer.&nbsp;</p>

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Sharad Kelkar’s dedicated outing as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior brought a wider audience to the portrayal of the Maratha king. The actor emphasised Maharaj’s strategic brilliance and unwavering resolve, cementing him as a powerhouse performer. 

<p>As Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahesh Manjrekar brought an experienced wisdom to justify the calm dedication and strategic tactics of the Maratha warrior. Released in 2009, Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy delved into Shivaji Maharaj&rsquo;s enduring legacy and its relevance in contemporary times.&nbsp;</p>

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As Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahesh Manjrekar brought an experienced wisdom to justify the calm dedication and strategic tactics of the Maratha warrior. Released in 2009, Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy delved into Shivaji Maharaj’s enduring legacy and its relevance in contemporary times. 

<p>Amol Kolhe impressed the audiences with his portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj in the Marathi television serial Raja Shivchhatrapati, directed by Hemant Devdhar. The actor&rsquo;s portrayal connected deeply with the viewers.</p>

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Amol Kolhe impressed the audiences with his portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj in the Marathi television serial Raja Shivchhatrapati, directed by Hemant Devdhar. The actor’s portrayal connected deeply with the viewers.

<p>Akshay Kumar marked his debut in the Marathi film industry with his striking visuals as Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the film &ldquo;Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat,&rdquo; directed by Mahesh Manjrekar, which was set to release in 2023. Though the film didn&rsquo;t make it to release, the look tests and posters of actor garnered widespread attention.</p>

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Akshay Kumar marked his debut in the Marathi film industry with his striking visuals as Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the film “Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat,” directed by Mahesh Manjrekar, which was set to release in 2023. Though the film didn’t make it to release, the look tests and posters of actor garnered widespread attention.

<p>Chinmay Mandlekar, known for his intensity, infused his portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with a deep sense of justice, bringing to the fore Shivaji&rsquo;s military prowess and tactical genius to the fore in the 2022 release, Pawankhind.</p>

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Chinmay Mandlekar, known for his intensity, infused his portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with a deep sense of justice, bringing to the fore Shivaji’s military prowess and tactical genius to the fore in the 2022 release, Pawankhind.

<p>Actor-turned-director Prasad Oak took everyone by surprise with his exceptional direction and acting in his 2019 Marathi film, Hirkani. This film focused on the legendary woman, &lsquo;Hikarni,&rsquo; a brave and amazing mother who lived near Raigad Fort during the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.&nbsp;</p>

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Actor-turned-director Prasad Oak took everyone by surprise with his exceptional direction and acting in his 2019 Marathi film, Hirkani. This film focused on the legendary woman, ‘Hikarni,’ a brave and amazing mother who lived near Raigad Fort during the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. 

<p>Chandrakant Mandare took on the titular role in the 1952 film Chhatrapati Shivaji, directed by Bhalji Pendharkar. His portrayal left an indelible mark.</p>

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Chandrakant Mandare took on the titular role in the 1952 film Chhatrapati Shivaji, directed by Bhalji Pendharkar. His portrayal left an indelible mark.

<p>Shantanu Moghe impressed everyone with his portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj in the show, Swarajya Rakshak Sambhaji.</p>

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Shantanu Moghe impressed everyone with his portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj in the show, Swarajya Rakshak Sambhaji.

<p>Handsome hunk Bhushan Pradhan has also impressed with his portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj in the show, Jai Bhawani Jai Shivaji.&nbsp;</p>

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Handsome hunk Bhushan Pradhan has also impressed with his portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj in the show, Jai Bhawani Jai Shivaji. 

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