Riteish Deshmukh, a prominent actor and filmmaker, has expressed his outrage over recent comments regarding the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, labeling them as 'distorted nonsense.' This response comes in light of statements made by Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, a spiritual leader, who suggested that Shivaji Maharaj had grown weary of battles and passed his crown to saint Samarth Ramdas during a public event in Nagpur. Deshmukh's remarks, shared in Marathi, reflect his deep respect for the Maratha king, asserting that such misrepresentations are 'unacceptable and infuriating.' He emphasized that Shivaji Maharaj's legacy would endure for centuries, much like the Sahyadri mountain ranges. The timing of Deshmukh's statement coincides with the upcoming release of the film 'Raja Shivaji' on May 1, which explores the life of the iconic ruler and features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, and Vidya Balan. The controversy has ignited political reactions, with leaders from various parties weighing in on the matter.