Salman Khan’s Cameo in ‘Raja Shivaji’ Sparks Enthusiasm and Debate Bollywood actor Salman Khan made a surprise appearance in Riteish Deshmukh’s historical film Raja Shivaji, playing the role of Jeeva Mahala, one of the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s most trusted warriors. The 60-year-old actor’s cameo, which features him in an orange turban, kurta, and wielding a Maratha sword, has become a standout moment in the film. Clips of his dramatic entrance—showing him standing beside Shivaji, portrayed by Riteish—have gone viral on social media, with fans praising his performance. The film, which premiered globally in Marathi and Hindi on May 1, chronicles the life and legacy of Shivaji Maharaj, a key figure in Indian history. Riteish Deshmukh stars as the titular character, while his son portrays a younger version of the warrior king. The movie is produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under Mumbai Film Company and presented by Jio Studios. Salman’s cameo has been widely celebrated by fans, who have described it as “unmatchable” and a highlight of the film. Social media users have praised his portrayal of Jeeva Mahala, with one fan writing, “Bro is unmatchable in giving the most shouted cameos in theater.” Another user remarked, “This look of Megastar #SalmanKhan reminds me of VEER + SULTAN combo,” while another called it “pure iconic stuff by Salman Khan.” The actor’s appearance reportedly drew cheers and applause from cinema-goers during the film’s theatrical run. However, not all reactions have been positive. Some critics and netizens have questioned the inclusion of Salman’s cameo in a film with a serious and historical tone. One viewer tweeted, “Honestly, it’s getting hard to understand why Salman Khan is doing a cameo in almost every film now.#salman_khan #jyoti_deshpande #genelia_deshmukh #riteish_deshmukh #mumbai_film_company
Ram Gopal Varma’s Birthday Post Goes Viral as He Announces Creative Shift Inspired by Dhurandhar 2 Ram Gopal Varma celebrated his 64th birthday on April 7, 2026, with a provocative social media post that went viral, marking a significant moment in his career. The filmmaker, known for his unapologetic approach to cinema, shared a striking message on his Twitter account: “STABBING my PAST with a KNIFE called #Dhurandhar2.” The post, which included glimpses of his birthday celebration with actors Manoj Bajpayee and Genelia Deshmukh, signaled a deliberate break from his past creative trajectory. The event also featured industry figures like Isha Koppikar, with the birthday cake designed to showcase titles and visuals from Varma’s most iconic films, a tribute to his enduring legacy in Indian cinema. The viral post was closely tied to his admiration for Dhurandhar 2, the sequel to the 2025 film Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh. Released on March 19, 2026, Dhurandhar 2 had already achieved global success, and Varma described it as a “horror” for filmmakers who relied on formulaic storytelling, calling it a “wake-up call” for those who underestimated audiences. He likened the film to “Sholay x 100 level magnificence” and even referred to it as “the birth of a new cinematic order.” This praise positioned Dhurandhar 2 as a catalyst for Varma’s creative reset, reflecting his desire to move beyond his earlier work. Varma’s upcoming project, Syndicate, is framed as an ode to Aditya Dhar, whom he has called his “new guru.” This shift echoes his earlier creative phases, where films like Satya, Company, and Sarkar were influenced by directors such as Francis Ford Coppola.#dhurandhar_2 #ram_gopal_varma #manoj_bajpayee #genelia_deshmukh #isha_koppikar
