Salman Khan’s cameo in Raja Shivaji goes viral on release day, netizens laud his performance

Salman Khan (Pic/X)

Riteish Deshmukh's Raja Shivaji is all set for release today. While the film features an ensemble cast, it also marks his reunion with Salman Khan, who plays a pivotal yet short role. As news of Salman's cameo excited fans, his glimpse from the film has now surfaced online and impressed them.

Salman Khan's cameo in Raja Shivaji goes viral

In the photos that have gone viral on X, the Bollywood superstar is seen sporting a saffron kurta with a matching turban. He flaunts a moustache and a tilak on his forehead. The actor is also seen adorning minimal jewellery to complete his look.

The high-energy sequence, accompanied by its own soundtrack, shows Khan's character holding his sword to a rival's neck before delivering the powerful line, "Shivaji nahi; Shivaji Raj mhanaycha," which instantly sent theatres into a frenzy.

Reacting to the scene, a netizen wrote, "Man, just saw the cameo… what a powerful visual! What a look - pure iconic stuff by Salman Khan as Jiva Mahala in #RajaShivaji. Absolutely loved it. Theatres are going to explode with whistles and claps!" Another mentioned, "Riteish has never disappointed - every time he brings Bhai for a cameo, it turns into a moment. Just saw this one… what a powerful visual! What a look - pure iconic aura by Salman Khan as Jiva Mahala in #RajaShivaji. This isn't just a cameo… it's a full-on theatre celebration - whistles, claps, madness guaranteed!"

More about Raja Shivaji

The superstar will portray Jiva Mahala, the courageous and loyal warrior who stood as one of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's most trusted aides. Riteish revealed how Salman insisted on being part of the film. He shared, "He asked me when I was starting to shoot the movie. I said, ‘It's starting this month.' He said, ‘Which role am I playing?'"

He further revealed how the actor insisted on a role in the historical drama. "He said, ‘No, no, no… you can't make the film without me, I have to be in it.' Then there was a role… and Salman Khan became part of the film."

The film also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Boman Irani, Bhagyashree, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amol Gupte, and Genelia Deshmukh, among others. Releasing on May 1, it will clash with Hollywood biggie The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Aamir Khan-backed Ek Din.