Jackie Shroff marks 16 years of 'Malik Ek' as Sai Baba alongside Smriti Irani
Synopsis
Sixteen years after 'Malik Ek' released, Jackie Shroff revisited his most spiritually charged role — Sai Baba of Shirdi — sharing rare on-set stills that resurface a quietly beloved film. With Smriti Irani and Divya Dutta also featured, the anniversary post is a reminder of how devotional cinema built its own loyal audience in Bollywood's margins.
Key Takeaways
Jackie Shroff marked 16 years of 'Malik Ek' on 29 October 2026 by sharing nostalgic stills on social media.
The film, released on 29 October 2010 , was directed by Deepak Balraj Vij and depicted the life and miracles of Sai Baba of Shirdi .
Smriti Irani played Dwarkamai and Divya Dutta played Laxmi in the film.
Music for the film was composed by Anup Jalota , who also appeared on screen as Das Ganu .
Shroff most recently appeared in 'Great Grand Superhero: Aliens Ka Aagman' in May 2026 , continuing his run of unconventional roles.
Bollywood veteran Jackie Shroff on 29 October 2026 marked 16 years of his spiritual drama 'Malik Ek', in which he portrayed the revered saint Sai Baba of Shirdi. The actor shared nostalgic stills on social media, revisiting his iconic performance alongside glimpses of the film's ensemble cast.
The Anniversary Post
The photographs shared by Shroff capture him in Sai Baba's distinctive white attire and headscarf, sporting a white beard that defined the role. Other stills feature co-stars in traditional costumes, including Smriti Irani dressed in a red ensemble and Divya Dutta. The post was accompanied by the hashtag #celebrating16yearsofmalikek.
About the Film
Released on 29 October 2010, 'Malik Ek' was directed by Deepak Balraj Vij and explored the life, philosophy, and miracles associated with Sai Baba of Shirdi. The film brought the saint's message of compassion, faith, and religious harmony to audiences, highlighting his belief in the unity of humanity beyond religious divisions.
Jackie Shroff portrayed Sai Baba, while Smriti Irani essayed the role of Dwarkamai, a key figure associated with the saint's life. Divya Dutta played Laxmi, and Anup Jalota portrayed Das Ganu. The ensemble cast further included Shakti Kapoor, Govind Namdeo, Zarina Wahab, Vidya Sinha, Vikram Gokhale, Rajeshwari Sachdev, and Kishori Shahane. The film's music was also composed by Anup Jalota.
Jackie Shroff's Enduring Range
Over a career spanning decades, Shroff has demonstrated remarkable versatility — from the romantic hero of 'Hero' to the gritty, intense performances in 'Parinda' and 'Gardish', spanning action, drama, comedy, and antagonist roles. Most recently, he appeared in 'Great Grand Superhero: Aliens Ka Aagman', released in May 2026, where he played a grandfather harbouring a secret superhero identity — another unconventional addition to his filmography.
Significance of the Milestone
Devotional and spiritual cinema occupies a unique space in India's film landscape, often drawing audiences who seek both entertainment and religious resonance. 'Malik Ek' sits within a tradition of saint biopics — from 'Sant Tukaram' to 'Sai Baba' — that have shaped how mainstream cinema interprets faith for mass audiences. The film's longevity in public memory, marked by fan posts and anniversary reflections, underlines that staying power.
Point of View
Yet 'Malik Ek' at 16 draws genuine engagement — partly because Jackie Shroff's casting against type as Sai Baba was itself a conversation starter in 2010. Smriti Irani's presence in the cast adds an unavoidable contemporary layer, given her subsequent political prominence. What the milestone quietly underscores is how India's spiritual cinema niche has outlasted many bigger-budget mainstream releases from the same year, sustained by community viewing and religious calendar cycles rather than conventional box-office metrics.
NationPress
29 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Malik Ek' and when was it released?
'Malik Ek' is a 2010 Indian spiritual drama directed by Deepak Balraj Vij that depicts the life, teachings, and miracles of Sai Baba of Shirdi. It was released on 29 October 2010 and starred Jackie Shroff in the title role.
Who did Jackie Shroff play in 'Malik Ek'?
Jackie Shroff portrayed the revered saint Sai Baba of Shirdi in 'Malik Ek'. He appeared in the saint's iconic white attire and headscarf with a white beard throughout the film.
Who else was in the cast of 'Malik Ek'?
The film featured Smriti Irani as Dwarkamai, Divya Dutta as Laxmi, and Anup Jalota as Das Ganu. The ensemble cast also included Shakti Kapoor, Govind Namdeo, Zarina Wahab, Vikram Gokhale, Rajeshwari Sachdev, and Kishori Shahane.
What is Jackie Shroff's most recent film?
Jackie Shroff's most recent release is 'Great Grand Superhero: Aliens Ka Aagman', which came out in May 2026. In it, he plays a grandfather with a secret superhero identity.
Why is the 16-year anniversary of 'Malik Ek' being marked now?
The anniversary falls on 29 October 2026, exactly 16 years after the film's original release date of 29 October 2010. Jackie Shroff marked the occasion by sharing nostalgic photographs from the film on social media with the hashtag #celebrating16yearsofmalikek.
