Chinmay Mandlekar, known for portraying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Marathi films and television, has announced his decision to stop playing the iconic role. This decision follows the trolling and harassment he and his family have been facing over his son’s name, Jehangir.
Chinmay Mandlekar addressed the issue in an Instagram post, stating that the criticism and negativity due to his son’s name had caused his family significant distress.
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Despite his success as Shivaji Maharaj, he now feels compelled to stop accepting roles portraying him. Mandlekar has acted in six films of the acclaimed 8-part ‘Shivraj Ashtak’ series, depicting the life of Shivaji Maharaj. The actor has indicated that he will not reprise his role in the upcoming two films.
“My wife Neha talked about the trolling of our family over our son’s name yesterday through a social media post. After clarifying the views over the name, the trolling and comments did not decrease. In fact, the bad comments have increased, and the trolls are now raising doubts about them and as a person, this is annoying me,” Mandlekar stated on social media.
The actor said he was open to criticism about his work as an actor but trolls have no right to comment on his personal life. He also said he had clarified why he named his son Jehangir multiple times on social media.
The actor has faced questions about his choice of name for his son, given the historical conflict between Shivaji Maharaj and the Mughals. Jehangir was the fourth Mughal emperor, who ruled from 1605 until his death in 1627.
Mandlekar said his son is 11 years old but trolling over his name started only recently.
“The tone of the trolling is that I have played the character of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in multiple movies and still the name of my son is Jahangir. My son was born in 2013, and today he is 11 years old. I did not face the trolling then. It is happening now,” the actor said.
Mandlekar has written, directed and acted in successful plays such as ‘Bechaki’ and ‘Sukhanshi Bhandto Aamhi’. He had essayed the character of Chhatrapati Shivaji in Marathi movies ‘Farzand’, ‘Pawankhind’, ‘Subhedar’ and ‘Sher Shivraj’.
Mandlekar had also starred in Marathi movies – ‘Zenda’, ‘Morya or Gajaar: Journey of the Soul’, and also played supporting roles in Hindi films including ‘Tere Bin Laden’, ‘Shanghai’, ‘The Kashmir Files’ and ‘Gandhi’ vs Godse’.
Mandlekar said he was appreciated a lot for playing the role of the Maratha king.
“But because of that role, if my family is being harassed, I announce here with great humility that I will not play that character. This decision has saddened me. The role was an expression of my devotion and love for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” I have stated.
Hitting back at trolls, the actor wondered whether they would change the name of the iconic Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai.
“The Government of India conferred Bharat Ratna on Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata. Do we think about his name when we use the products and services by his company Tata,” he said.
Following his announcement, Mandlekar has received support from peers in the industry, including director Ravi Jadhav and actor, director and singer Avadhoot Gupte.
With inputs from PTI
Published By:
shweta keshri
Published On:
Apr 23, 2024
