Actor-writer Chinmay Mandlekar’s first memory of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj goes back to the time when he was in the first standard. His class was taken to watch a film titled Bal Shivaji. The film left a lasting impression on his young mind. Having grown up in Girgaum, where Shiv Jayanthi is celebrated with as much fervour as Ganeshotsav, Chinmay admits that he was always in awe of the king’s persona.

Chinmay, who plays the king in Digpal Lanjekar’s Fatteshikast, says, “I was always intrigued by his life, his journey in Swaraj and about how he achieved all that he did. My love and respect for him developed at a very young age, owing to where I lived, and my father. He would read a lot of historical literature, especially Shrimant Yogi and Raja Shivchhatrapati. I remember picking up Raja Shivchhatrapati and reading it in the eighth grade.”

Growing up, the Farzand actor shares that the king was the idol he would look up to. It was him, whom he turned to for inspiration and influence. “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has always been my idol. In times of crisis, people go to religion, but I have gone to Maharaj for strength and help. I have tried and incorporated his ways of dealing with situations and problems. I can never compare my life with him or even imagine what he did, but yes, I do try and learn from his ways.”