The roar in the theaters during the climax of 'Raja Shivaji' wasn't just for the high-octane action—it was for the surprise entry of Bollywood’s "Sultan," Salman Khan. Portraying the legendary and loyal soldier Jiva Mahale, Salman’s new avatar has sent fans into a frenzy. However, the most surprising part of this casting isn't the role itself, but how it came to be.

According to director and lead actor Riteish Deshmukh, Salman Khan wasn't originally in the script—he practically demanded to be part of the historical epic!

A New Year’s Eve Revelation

In a recent candid conversation, Riteish Deshmukh shared the heartwarming story of how Salman joined the project. The two were chatting on New Year's Eve when the superstar inquired about the production schedule for 'Raja Shivaji'.

When Riteish mentioned that filming was set to begin the following month, Salman didn’t hesitate. He reportedly told Riteish:

"What role am I playing in this? You can't make a film without me. I was in your last film, I was in your first film—now I have to be in this one too, no matter what."

More Than Just a Superstar: Becoming Jiva Mahale

Riteish admitted it took him about a month to finalize a role that would do justice to Salman’s stature while offering the audience something fresh. He eventually chose the character of Jiva Mahale, a historical figure renowned for his bravery and loyalty to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

"In the climax, he isn't just Salman Khan; he is the character," Riteish explained. Despite being busy with another project at the time, Salman immediately said yes to the role, prioritizing his bond with Riteish over a hectic schedule.

The "Goodness" of the Industry

Reflecting on the collaboration, Riteish spoke warmly about the camaraderie within the film fraternity. He noted that there is a "tremendous goodness" among people in the industry who often go out of their way to support one another—whether it's filming a promotional Reel or, in this case, a pivotal cameo in a massive historical drama.

Salman’s inclusion in the film’s climax has not only added star power but has also become a testament to the deep-rooted friendship between the two actors, making 'Raja Shivaji' a true labor of love and loyalty both on and off-screen.