Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 11: In a crossover moment that thrilled both football and film fans, Barcelona legend and World Cup winner Xavi Hernandez recently visited the sets of Raja Shivaji, the upcoming historical epic directed by Riteish Deshmukh.
Xavi, who was accompanied by his wife Nuria Cunillera and their friends and family, spent over two hours exploring the film’s grand sets, which intricately recreate the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Taking to Instagram, an elated Riteish shared photos from the visit and penned a heartfelt thank-you note to the football icon.
“Still pinching myself! A huge thank you to the legendary @xavi and the gracious @nuriacunillera81 for visiting the set of our film ‘Raja Shivaji’ with your wonderful friends and family. It was truly an honor to host you — your presence lit up our day,” Riteish wrote.
“The cast and crew were absolutely thrilled, and I was personally overjoyed to meet someone I’ve admired for so long. Your humility is as extraordinary as your achievements on the pitch. My kids haven’t stopped smiling since, and neither have I,” he added.
Raja Shivaji is being presented by Jio Studios and produced under the Mumbai Film Company banner by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh. The film marks Riteish’s second directorial venture after Ved and sees him donning the dual hats of director and lead actor.
In an earlier statement, Riteish expressed his reverence for the Maratha icon:
“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not a mere historical figure; he is an emotion, a timeless saga of valour, and a beacon of hope that has illuminated hearts for over three and a half centuries,” he said.
The unexpected visit from Xavi added an exciting international flair to the much-anticipated historical drama, which is already generating significant buzz for its scale and subject.