Marathi actor Chinmay Madlekar announces he won’t play Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj after facing trolling over son Jehangir’s name

 

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The actor took to his Instagram account to address the trolling and harassment he and his family have been facing for sometime now. In the video message, the Gandhi Godse – Ek Yudh actor can be heard saying, “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.”  

Chinmay plays Shivaji Maharaj in the highly-acclaimed Shivraj Ashtak, an 8-part film series, which depicts various aspects of the great Maratha warrior’s life through eight different films. Mandlekar has featured in six of them so far, but it looks like he won’t reprise his role in the upcoming two films. 

 

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“Repeatedly, I’ve found myself having to explain my choice to name my son Jehangir. Our family has faced relentless criticism and negativity due to his name, causing us significant distress. The comments we’ve endured have often been offensive, inappropriate, and filled with hate. While I’ve been fortunate to receive admiration and accolades for portraying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, both in Maharashtra and beyond, I now feel compelled to respectfully announce that I will no longer accept roles portraying him.” Mandlekar said his son is 11-year-old but trolling over his name started only recently.

He said, like most artistes, he is open to criticism about his work but trolls have no right to comment on his personal life.  “The trolls are asking me why did I named my son Jehangir despite playing the character of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in multiple movies. 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. Jehangir was the fourth Mughal emperor, who ruled from 1605 till his death in 1627 and Shivaji Maharaj was in constant conflict with the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.  

Mandlekar has written, directed and acted in successful plays such as Bechaki and Sukhanshi Bhandto Aamhi. He had also starred in Marathi movies Jhenda, Morya and Gajaar: Journey of the Soul, and also played supporting roles in Hindi films including Tere Bin Laden and Shanghai.

 Hitting back at trolls, the actor wondered whether they would change the name of the iconic Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai. “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 said.

 

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Following his post, the actor received support from his peers. Actor, director and singer Avadhoot Gupte revealed that Chinmay has switched off his phone and isn’t in touch with anyone following the harassment. “Deciding which roles to take on and what actions to stop, this is a deeply personal question for every artist. Therefore, your decision is respected. However, the reasons behind your decision are very unfortunate!  Is it clever to base important decisions of your career on comments made impulsively by trolls?  Furthermore.. I can understand your frustration. Take care. Let’s meet soon,” Avadhoot wrote.

Chinmay also received support from acclaimed director Ravi Jadhav, who is known for films such as Main Atal Hoon, Banjo and Nude. “Chinmay and Neha, we are always with your families. I request strict action against the trolls to the Indian Cyber Cell as well as the Maharashtra government. Chinmay, please consider our humble request and proceed with your decision,” he wrote.