Itâs an Emotional Transaction - Abhishek Bachchan on Waiving His Fee for Raja Shivaji

Riteish Deshmukh recently released his film, Raja Shivaji. The actor not only starred in the titular role but also directed the ambitious historical drama. The film also saw cameos from actors such as Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Vidya Balan. Earlier, Riteish had revealed that several actors associated with the film chose to waive their fees out of deep reverence for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the story being told.

Now, Abhishek Bachchan has opened up on the decision to forgo his remuneration for the film. He explained that actors do not mind slashing their fees for a vision they endorse.

"In today’s day and age, there are all these reels where people talk about facts and figures. The media loves to talk about an actor or an actress charging so much money and demanding for these many vans but at the end of the day, it’s an art form that starts from the heart. We’ve no problems waiving anything off if we believe in something. It’s not a transaction. It’s an emotional transaction. You’ve to be inspired. That’s how art starts," Abhishek told News18 Showsha.

He added, "At a time where there’s so much mathematics attached to films, Riteish and Genelia affirmed that not everything is about figures. It was about their belief in wanting to do something larger than all of us. They never approached it as a project. It was very sacred to them."

The Paa actor continued praising Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh and called them some of the "sweetest and most down-to-earth people."

Raja Shivaji is produced by Genelia Deshmukh and Jyoti Deshpande and features a massive ensemble cast. Alongside Riteish in the lead role, the film stars Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amole Gupte and Genelia. Interestingly, the film also marks the acting debut of Riteish and Genelia's sons, Riaan and Rahyl, who play the younger versions of Shivaji Maharaj.

It was released theatrically on May 1.

Also Read: Raja Shivaji Review - Thundering performances in a not-so-epic film

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