Chhatrapati Shivaji , founder of the Maratha Empire and warrior extraordinaire, crafted a legacy that is hard to follow. Tales of his empire, his exploits and his valour form the bedrock of the historical and socio-political narrative of Maharashtra, with rival political factions vying to be considered the true spiritual sons of Shivaji. His real sons had a lot more to claim than a spiritual legacy.
The fierce tiger, the successor tiger cub Chhava—this was the epithet bestowed on Chhatrapati Sambhaji , Shivaji’s elder son, and is the title of a book by the renowned Shivaji Sawant. It is also the name of an upcoming film based on this book where Vicky Kaushal essays the role of Sambhaji, valourizing his life and times. The film is directed by Laxman Utkekar, and is set to be released on February 14, 2025.
Its trailer dropped on January 22 , and already there is consternation over the historicity and appropriateness of certain elements (for instance: would Sambhaji dance?). As with most historical dramas, the jury will be divided as to what is fact and what is (acceptable) fiction. The identity and the existence of Sambhaji, is, however, not one of the matters up for debate.
The story of Sambhaji Sambhaji was born in 1657 to Chhatrapati Shivaji and his second wife Saibai at Purandar fort. There are differing accounts about his birth date, with some claiming it to be May 14 while others mark it according to the Hindu calendar. Saibai reportedly died when he was still a baby.
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