Actor Rashmika Mandanna recently said that playing the strong Maratha queen Yesubai Bhonsale in the movie ‘Chhaava’ has been one of the biggest moments of her career.
She even joked that the experience was so special, she could ‘happily retire’ after it. Rashmika also mentioned that she feels thankful and honoured to be given such an important role.
Lets step into history and get to know about the fearless Maratha queen, Maharani Yesubai, the women who held the empire after the brutal execution of her husband, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Her strength and courage became the backbone of a shaken kingdom.
I made this edit, please guys tell me how this is I hope @iamRashmika sees this🥺💕
— 🦩 (@rashmikasreign) February 23, 2025
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's back Maharani Yesubai Bhosale ❣️
Both have my heart one's nation love and the other is heartthrob #VickyKaushal #Chhaava #QueenOfHeartsRashmika pic.twitter.com/sCgBxzkNFX
Who was Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale?
Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale was more than just the wife of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, she was a strong and smart leader who helped protect the Maratha Empire during some of its hardest times.
She was born as Rajau Shrike, the daughter of Maratha Sardar Pilajirao shirke. After her husband was cruelly killed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1689, Yesubai showed great courage and leadership
Between 1680 and 1730, she played an important role in supporting Swarajya, or self-rule. Even when she was held as a prisoner by Aurangzeb for 27 years, she never gave up. Her strength helped keep the Maratha Empire strong. Despite her captivity, she remained in touch with her son, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, through secret letters. When she was finally freed in 1719, she returned to Satara on July 4—a day still remembered as the “Day of Bravery.”
Yesubai also used her cleverness to help solve problems within the empire. Around 1730, she helped make the Treaty of Varanasi, which brought peace and kept the Maratha Empire united during times of internal fights.
Yesubai is remembered as a symbol of bravery, loyalty and wisdom, and she is still respected as one of the great women in Maratha history.
What Happened with Maharani Yesubai’s husband Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj ?
Sambhaji Maharaj was treated very badly by Aurangzeb before he was killed. Some stories say that he was blinded using hot iron rods. Other accounts mention that his body was cut into pieces and thrown into the Bhima River in Pune. There are also different stories that claim his remains were fed to dogs.
Actresses who played Maharani Yesubai before Rashmika Mandanna
Before Rashmika Mandanna took on the role of Maharani Yesubai in Chhaava, several other talented actresses had already brought this powerful queen to life on screen. These include:
- Amruta Khanvilkar
- Ayesha Madhukar
- Mohini Potdar
- Prajakta Gaikwad
- Zillu
Each of them portrays the role of Maharani Yesubai in different films and TV shows, showing her strength and grace in their own unique way.
Also Read: The Untold Story Of Aurangzeb’s Death After Killing Sambhaji Maharaj – A Look Back At History
