In a grand fusion of art and legacy, Zanai Bhosle, the talented granddaughter of the venerable songstress Asha Bhosle, is announced to ignite the silver screen as Rani Sai Bhonsale in the upcoming cinematic journey ‘The Pride of Bharat – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’. This filmic venture not only marks a pivotal moment in Zanai’s artistic career but also pays homage to her illustrious heritage, with her lineage tracing back to the royal family of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj himself.
Leveraging her multifaceted artistic prowess, Zanai is braced to step into the historical shoes of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s wife. Rani Sai Bhonsale was more than a supportive consort; her role significantly shaped Shivaji Maharaj’s reign and personal evolution. The echoes of her influence resonate throughout Maratha history, a narrative that the forthcoming film aspires to capture and revere.
The symbolic casting choice adds a layer of genuine ancestry to the character portrayal, as revealed by producer-turned-director Sandeep Singh. In a heartfelt Instagram announcement, he expressed the team’s privilege in welcoming Zanai into a role where her own forebears’ valour and tenacity will find a new voice. Undoubtedly, she embodies the historical and cultural gravitas required to vividly bring Rani Sai Bhonsale’s character to life.
Asha Bhosle, Zanai’s grandmother, has established an enduring musical legacy with a career that spans across an awe-inspiring eight decades, in which she has lent her melodious voice to films and albums across myriad Indian languages, earning innumerable accolades and awards in the process. Among these, she was conferred with the Dadasahed Phalke Award and the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honour in India, affirming her stature as a preeminent figure in Hindi cinema.
Adding to the weight of this familial dynasty is the fact that Zanai is also the grandniece of the late, venerable Lata Mangeshkar – another titan of the Indian music industry. It is within this confluence of artistic genius and royal lineage that Zanai’s own talents have been nurtured. Known for her soulful voice and musical sensitivity, she is poised to now reveal her capacity as a skilful dancer and an adept performer.
Sandeep Singh’s enthusiasm remains palpable as he ventures into his directorial debut with a narrative steeped in historical significance. His objective is to unfurl the grandeur of Shivaji Maharaj’s life while simultaneously exploring the subtle influences and monumental contributions of Rani Sai Bhonsale. Singh’s underlying conviction is that Zanai will not merely perform the character but rather, embody the legacy with authenticity and respect.
The film, ‘The Pride of Bharat – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’, is slated for release on February 19, 2026, on the auspicious occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Jayanti. As the production progresses under the joint venture of Immerso Studio and Legend Studios, anticipation mounts to witness this historical epic’s evolution from script to screen.
With its monumental scale, profound connections to the past, and a fresh face embodying the rich legacy of one of India’s most revered royal figures, ‘The Pride of Bharat – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’ promises to be more than just a film. It seeks to be a cultural phenomenon that reverberates through the annals of Indian cinema and into the hearts of audiences, near and far.
