Abhishek Bachchan Says Waiving Fees for Raja Shivaji Was ‘Not a Transaction’

Abhishek Bachchan has addressed reports surrounding actor remuneration for Raja Shivaji, saying the film was driven by belief and emotional connection rather than financial negotiations. The actor, who appears in Riteish Deshmukh’s historical drama, dismissed speculation about fees and said artists are willing to waive payments for projects they genuinely believe in.

Speaking to News18, Abhishek reacted to ongoing discussions around how much actors associated with the film were paid. “In today’s day and age, there are all these reels where people talk about facts and figures,” he said.

“The media loves to talk about an actor or an actress charging so much money and demanding so many vans, but at the end of the day, it’s an art form that starts from the heart. We’ve no problem waiving anything off if we believe in something. It’s not a transaction. It’s an emotional transaction. You’ve got to be inspired. That’s how art starts.”

His comments came after Riteish Deshmukh spoke about several actors joining the project without charging fees. According to Riteish, stars including Salman Khan, Vidya Balan and Abhishek Bachchan agreed to be part of Raja Shivaj out of reverence for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and because of their personal relationship with him.

Abhishek Bachchan praises Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh

Abhishek also spoke about Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh’s approach to the film, saying they focused on the larger vision rather than commercial calculations.

“At a time when there’s so much mathematics attached to films, they’ve affirmed that not everything is about figures. It was about their belief in wanting to do something larger than all of us. They never approached it as a project. It was very sacred to them,” he said.

Calling Raja Shivaji a challenging production, Abhishek praised the scale of the film and the working environment created by the makers.

“The scale is something that Marathi cinema hasn’t seen before, and to achieve that seamlessly and make sure that the unit is happy, safe and inspired… kudos to them, really! I don’t know anybody who had any complaints,” he added.

The actor also described Riteish and Genelia as close friends and said he agreed to join the film without reading the script.

“I’ve known them for a very, very long time. They’re some of the sweetest and most down-to-earth people you’ll ever come across. They’re very dependable friends to me and my family,” he said, adding jokingly, “In a way, Mumbai Film Company is mine. They’ll be sharing the profits.”

Abhishek Bachchan’s first Marathi film

Raja Shivaji marks Abhishek Bachchan’s first Marathi film appearance. He revealed that while he had been offered Marathi projects before, this was the first time he decided to take one up.

“Being born and brought up in Mumbai, you’re acquainted with it, but if you’re doing something for the first time, there’s always a bit of trepidation. But with Riteish being there, I knew he would take care of it,” he said.

In the film, Abhishek essays the role of Sambhaji Shahaji Bhosale, the elder brother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, played by Riteish Deshmukh.

Backed by Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company, Raja Shivaji features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Boman Irani, Amol Gupte and Genelia Deshmukh. Salman Khan also appears in a cameo role.

The historical drama traces Shivaji Bhosale’s early years and his efforts to establish Hindavi Swarajya.