Riteish Deshmukh: Actor-Turned-Director with political roots
Riteish Deshmukh, best known for his comedy roles in Housefull and Masti, is stepping behind the camera to direct a trilogy called "Raja Shivaji," based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
This marks a big move for him, as he'll also play the legendary Maratha king himself.
Coming from a political family—his father was Maharashtra's Chief Minister—Riteish has always balanced acting with new challenges.
From actor to director to...historian?
After making his mark in Bollywood with Tujhe Meri Kasam (2003) and later marrying co-star Genelia D'Souza, Riteish explored Marathi cinema with Lai Bhaari (2014) and directed Ved (2022).
Now, with Raja Shivaji, he's showing serious love for Marathi history and cinema while proving he can do it all—act, direct, and tell stories that matter.