Abhishek Bachchan Denies Fee Reports for Raja Shivaji, Cites Emotional Bond

Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan has refuted media reports regarding substantial remuneration for his guest appearance in Riteish Deshmukh’s upcoming film, Raja Shivaji. Responding to claims that he and other stars charged high fees, Abhishek clarified that the involvement was driven by reverence for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a deep personal connection with producers Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh. In an interview with News18, he emphasized that art is an emotional transaction rather than a financial one, stating that actors often waive fees for projects they believe in. He praised the Deshmukhs for prioritizing artistic vision over box office mathematics and described their work ethic as inspiring. Abhishek revealed he joined the project without reading the script due to his familial bond with the couple, marking his first appearance in a Marathi film and his first time speaking Marathi on screen. He highlighted the challenging scale of the production and expressed confidence in Riteish’s guidance. The actor’s statements underscore that his participation was motivated by belief in the film’s sacred nature and friendship, contradicting narratives focused on financial transactions.