Mumbai: Actor Riteish Deshmukh has issued a public apology after facing backlash over a viral video in which he was seen wearing a T-shirt featuring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and dancing, at the success bash of his latest release.
The clip sparked outrage among a section of social media users, who accused the actor of showing disrespect and also alleged that he was under the influence of alcohol.
Addressing the controversy, Riteish expressed regret for unintentionally hurting sentiments and firmly denied claims that he was intoxicated.
Taking to his Instagram stories, Riteish wrote, “To celebrate the unprecedented response given by the audience to the recently released movie Raja Shivaji, our entire team had organized a small celebration. A video of mine related to that is currently circulating on social media. As a devotee of Shivaji Maharaj (Shivpremi) and a family man who values his audience, I consider it my duty to clarify this. I want to humbly clarify that while celebrating while wearing a T-shirt featuring the image of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, I did not have the slightest intention of disrespecting him. I was using that T-shirt during the promotional campaign of the movie.”
He added, “Since I joined the event directly after completing the promotional work that day, I missed changing the T-shirt.”
“Additionally, regarding some claims being made about me on social media, I want to clarify that I have never consumed alcohol in my life, nor will I ever do so in the future. Therefore, any allegations in this context are completely far from the truth. Notably, the person who filmed this video was not even invited to the said event,” the actor explained.
“This event was organized to express gratitude towards all the artists and colleagues, both in front of and behind the camera, who worked tirelessly for three and a half years for the movie Raja Shivaji. However, if anyone’s sentiments were hurt by my action, I sincerely express my regret as a Shivpremi. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a symbol of faith, inspiration, and pride for all of us. I have immense respect, love, and loyalty for him in my heart. This sentiment is just as strong today and will remain so forever. Jai Shivray Yours, Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh”, he concluded his note.
Directed by Riteish, ‘Raja Shivaji’ hit theatres during Maharashtra Day celebrations on May 1.
Riteish played the lead role in the film and co-produced it with wife Genelia Deshmukh under their banner Mumbai Film Company.
The film also features Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Fardeen Khan, Sachin Khedekar, Jitendra Joshi and Amol Gupte in key roles.
