In a poignant gesture of respect, the makers of the ambitious historical drama Raja Shivaji have postponed the release of its powerful anthem ‘Chhatrapati’, originally scheduled for today. The decision comes in the wake of the passing of iconic playback singer Asha Bhosle, who breathed her last at the age of 92 on April 12 at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.
Riteish Deshmukh, who is directing the film and essaying the titular role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, along with production house Jio Studios, issued a heartfelt statement on social media. “The voice that ruled our hearts for decades has fallen silent today. With the passing of the legendary Asha Bhosle, we mourn the loss of a golden chapter in music. As a mark of respect, we are postponing the release of the Raja Shivaji anthem, ‘Chhatrapati.’ A new date will be announced soon,” the statement read
The film, a grand pan-India historical epic, chronicles the early life and inspiring journey of the Maratha warrior king Shivaji Maharaj as he fought for Swarajya (self-rule). It features an ensemble cast including Genelia Deshmukh as Saibai, Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, and Amole Gupte. The music is composed by the acclaimed duo Ajay-Atul, known for their stirring, culturally rooted scores that blend folk traditions with cinematic grandeur.
Just days ago, Riteish had shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the anthem, building significant anticipation among audiences. The teaser and first-look poster had already generated excitement, positioning Raja Shivaji as a visually spectacular tribute to Maharashtra’s legendary icon. The film is slated for a symbolic release on May 1, 2026 — Maharashtra Day — and is being mounted on a massive scale in multiple languages.
Asha Bhosle’s demise has sent shockwaves through the Indian film industry, with several projects, including Karan Johar’s Chand Mera Dil song launch, also being postponed or adjusted out of respect for the singer’s unparalleled legacy spanning over seven decades. Her contributions to Hindi, Marathi, and regional cinema remain unmatched, having lent her voice to thousands of unforgettable songs.
The postponement of the ‘Chhatrapati’ anthem reflects the deep reverence the team holds for Asha Bhosle’s monumental influence on Indian music. As tributes continue to pour in and her funeral is held with state honors at Shivaji Park in Dadar, the film fraternity stands united in mourning.
Raja Shivaji promises to be more than just a biopic; it aims to capture the courage, vision, and conviction of a leader who shaped history. With the anthem delayed, fans will now await its powerful release on a rescheduled date, expected to further amplify the film’s patriotic and emotional resonance.
In the meantime, the focus remains on honouring a voice that defined generations, even as the cinematic celebration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj prepares to unfold on the big screen.