Santosh Sivan Helped Riteish Deshmukh Conquer Fear

When Riteish Deshmukh decided to step into the director’s chair for Raja Shivaji, he knew the project would demand both courage and technical excellence. The pressure intensified because it marked the first time celebrated cinematographer Santosh Sivan would lens a Marathi film. Yet instead of intimidation, Riteish found an unexpected ally who turned every challenge into an opportunity for growth. Posting an emotional note on Instagram, the actor thanked Sivan for embracing the ambitious period saga with the same passion he himself felt. He described how the veteran’s calm presence during complex night shoots and massive battle sequences gave the entire cast and crew the confidence to push creative boundaries. Riteish highlighted that Sivan’s guidance extended beyond camera work; it became a life lesson in leadership and perseverance. The actor admitted that without this mentorship he might have hesitated at critical moments. Today, with the film enjoying unprecedented commercial success, Riteish says the experience has permanently changed how he approaches both cinema and personal goals.