Pune: Actor Rahul Soalpurkar apologises for remarks on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Pune: Actor Rahul Solapurkar has apologised for his remarks on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. A controversy arose when the actor commented on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s escape from Agra.

Solapurkar said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj did not escape by hiding in a sweet container but by bribing many sardars of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. This invited criticism from all quarters. Hence, Solapurkar had to eat humble pie. He said that he had no intention at all to show the Maratha Warrior King in a bad light.

Historians, politicians and others from across the State expressed anger over Solapurkar’s statements. Agitators gathered outside the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute in the city and condemned the remarks. They demanded Solapurkar’s ouster from the institute.

Protestors also raised slogans condemning the actor outside his residence in Pune. They demanded an apology from the actor. Later, Rahul Solapurkar released a video clip clarifying his stance on the issue.

He said, “I was interviewed a couple of months ago. The podcast lasted 50 minutes. While replying to a question, I spoke on history and how interesting historical incidents are twisted. In this context, I spoke about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s escape from Agra. I cited proof from the Bikaner Palace. It was based on some documents from Rajasthan, some Persian, Urdu books that I read and what I heard about close aides of Aurangzeb. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj gifted gems, money and other things to people close to Aurangzeb. I explained how he persuaded them to his viewpoint and wriggled out of the situation. I used the word ‘bribe’ while summing up these incidents.

“I need not say it again that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a great ruler. In fact, I very correctly played the role of Chhatrapti Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj in a film. I have been giving speeches on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj across the world. Therefore, I can never think of insulting his personality. Someone took out only those two sentences from the podcast and showed as though I said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ‘bribed’ people. This has led to the controversy. I never have the slightest intention to insult Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.”