Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh paid homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on Thursday at Shivneri Fort to mark Shiv Jayanti. On the Maratha ruler’s birth anniversary, Deshmukh visited the historic fort to honor Shivaji Maharaj’s remarkable contributions. During the visit, he also posed for a group photo with children dressed in traditional Maharashtrian attire.

Following the tribute, Riteish Deshmukh extended his greetings to all devotees of Shivaji Maharaj and stressed the importance of educating India’s youth about the ruler’s legacy. Speaking to the media, he said, “I extend my best wishes to all devotees of Shivaji on the occasion of Shiv Jayanti. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj continues to inspire and energize us. Young people should learn about the sacrifices he made for the nation, and we should all strive to be better human beings.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to the visionary leader, exceptional administrator, and champion of Swarajya. The Prime Minister noted that Shivaji Maharaj’s courage remains an inspiration, his governance serves as a model, and his spirit of justice and self-respect strengthens society even today. Modi highlighted that Shivaji Maharaj prioritized the welfare of every individual and devoted himself entirely to their protection—a commitment that makes his life a guiding light for India across generations.