Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti: Sharad Kelkar to Mahesh Manjrekar; Marathi actors who portrayed the role of Raje Shivaji on big-screen

February 19, marks the birth anniversary of the great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is celebrated as Shivaji Jayanti or Shiv Jayanti in the state of Maharashtra, but followers of the warrior king are known to honour the day across India.

On his 392nd birth anniversary, take a look at actors who portrayed the role of Raje Shivaji on the big screen.

Santosh Manjrekar's directorial 'Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy' was released in 2009. Mahesh Manjrekar who portrayed the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has done commendable work with his role.

The film starred Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Makarand Anaspure, Siddarth Jadhav, Suchitra Bandekar, Priya Bapat and Abhijeet Kelkar.

Om Raut's blockbuster ‘Tanhaji – The Unsung Warrior’ traces the life of the fierce Maratha warrior, Tanhaji Malusare, who was one of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s closest aides and a military leader. Sharad Kelkar stood out with his portrayal of Raje Shivaji.

It also starred Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan and Kajol in lead roles.

Marathi star Chinmay Mandlekar who is well-known for his movies like Halal, Hirakani, Farzand amongst others, has impressed his fans by essaying the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in historical movies like 'Farzand', 'Fatteshikast' and 'Pawankhind'.

Yashwant Bhalkar's directorial 'Rajmata Jjau' starred Amol Kolhe, Milind Gunaji, Rahul Solapurkar, Aarti Shinde, Vedant Gundu, and Nikhil Nerlekar in pivotal roles.

Amol Kolhe as Shivaji Raje has done a commendable job. This movie is a must-watch.