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Not taught about Sambhaji? Ex-cricketer Aakash Chopra sparks debate after watching 'Chhaava'

Aakash Chopra’s remarks after watching Chhaava ignite a debate over historical representation in Indian textbooks.

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Nishika Jha
Chhaava
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The Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava, based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, is making waves at the box office. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra's comments about the lack of historical education on Sambhaji Maharaj have triggered a heated online debate. The discussion has now taken a political turn, questioning the portrayal of Indian history in school curriculums.

Chhaava receives overwhelming response at the box office

The Bollywood film Chhaava, featuring Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has taken the country by storm, not just at the box office but also in intellectual and political discussions. The historical drama, released on February 14, has grossed over ₹120 crore and continues to attract massive audiences. However, beyond its cinematic success, the movie has sparked a major controversy after former India cricketer Aakash Chopra raised concerns about the historical representation of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in school textbooks.

Chopra took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his views after watching the film. He praised Chhaava as an "incredible tale of bravery, selflessness, and duty" but questioned why Sambhaji Maharaj’s story was absent from school history books. "genuine question why were we not taught about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj at all in school? Not even a mention anywhere!!! We did learn though how Akbar was a great and fair emperor, and even have a very prominent road called Aurangzeb Road in Delhi. Why and how did it happen?" wrote Chopra.

 

Aakash Chopra questions history curriculum in schools

His remarks set off a firestorm on social media, with users responding both in support and in criticism. One user mocked Chopra by calling him a "failed learner of history." The former cricketer quickly shut down the criticism by revealing he had topped his school in 12th grade with 80% marks in history. Others backed Chopra, agreeing that Indian textbooks often highlight Mughal rulers while sidelining prominent Indian warriors like Sambhaji Maharaj.

 

This debate has reignited long-standing concerns about the way Indian history is taught in schools. Many argue that colonial-era perspectives still dominate history books, prioritizing narratives about Mughals and British rulers over indigenous warriors and kings. Political commentators, historians, and Bollywood celebrities have joined the discussion, further amplifying the discourse.

Social media erupts in debate over historical representation

Meanwhile, Chhaava, directed by Laxman Utekar, continues to perform exceptionally well at the box office. Starring Rashmika Mandanna as Yesubai Bhonsale, Akshaye Khanna as Aurangzeb, Ashutosh Rana as Hambirrao Mohite, Diana Penty as Zinat-un-Nissa Begum, and Divya Dutta as Soyarabai, the film has resonated with audiences across India. The movie’s first Sunday recorded an impressive 62.48% occupancy in Hindi cinemas, indicating its growing popularity.

 

 

 

 

IPL set to begin on March 22

Amidst the historical debate, Chopra also shared his insights on the upcoming IPL 2025 schedule. He analyzed Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) fixtures, calling them "intriguing" due to their home-heavy ending in the league phase. With the IPL set to begin on March 22, fans await to see how RCB navigates its challenging schedule against teams like Kolkata Knight Riders.

Whether or not Chhaava leads to changes in history education remains to be seen, but one thing is certain Aakash Chopra's question has sparked a conversation that is unlikely to die down anytime soon.

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