Why Chinmay Madlekar won't play Shivaji Maharaj any more
Prominent Marathi actor, Chinmay Mandlekar, known for his portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in films such as Farzand, Fatteshikast, Pawankhind, Subhedar, and Sher Shivraj has announced his decision to step down from the role. This move comes in response to online trolling related to his son's name, Jehangir. Through an Instagram video message, Mandlekar addressed the harassment he and his family have been facing.
Despite wife's clarification, trolling intensified, said Mandlekar
Mandlekar revealed that the trolling intensified despite his wife Neha's attempt to clarify their choice of name for their son. "My wife Neha, in a social media post, had spoken about the trolling that happened over our son's name yesterday, and despite clarifying the choice of the name it didn't stop. On the contrary, it intensified," he explained. This persistent negativity and criticism led to his quitting his acclaimed role.
Mandlekar will not return for final two installments of 'Shivraj'
Mandlekar's portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj spans six parts of the critically acclaimed eight-part film series, Shivraj Ashtak. However, he has indicated that he will not return for the final two installments. "Repeatedly, I've found myself having to explain my choice to name my son Jehangir," Mandlekar stated, expressing his distress over the situation. "While I've been fortunate to receive admiration for portraying Shivaji Maharaj...I now feel compelled to respectfully announce that I will no longer accept roles portraying him."
Mandlekar questioned why trolls were focusing on name now
"The trolls are asking me why did I named my son Jehangir despite playing the character of Shivaji. 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 in the message. To note, Shivaji Maharaj engaged in conflict with Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb during the reign of Jehangir—the fourth Mughal emperor (1605-1627).
He received support from his peers
In response to harassment, he further questioned whether iconic establishments like Mumbai's Jehangir Art Gallery would face similar scrutiny. "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 remarked. Following his post, Mandlekar received support from peers including actor Avadhoot Gupte and director Ravi Jadhav who called for strict action against the trolls.
