Riteish Deshmukh remembers Vilasrao on 14th death anniversary
Synopsis
Fourteen years after losing his father, Riteish Deshmukh turned to Marathi poetry to express what words in any language rarely capture — the grief that doesn't leave. His 'vanvaas' (exile) metaphor on Instagram is the most quietly powerful celebrity tribute of the week, and a rare public window into how political dynasties carry private loss.
Key Takeaways
Riteish Deshmukh marked the 14th death anniversary of his father Vilasrao Deshmukh on 14 August 2026 .
He shared a throwback photograph on Instagram with an emotional note in Marathi , saying his 'exile still hasn't ended.' Wife Genelia Deshmukh responded with broken heart emojis in the comment section.
Vilasrao Deshmukh died on 14 August 2012 due to multiple organ failure after being airlifted to Chennai for a liver transplant.
Riteish was recently seen in Dhamaal 4 and hosted Lock Upp Season 2 alongside Farah Khan .
Actor Riteish Deshmukh paid a heartfelt tribute to his father and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on 14 August 2026, marking 14 years since the veteran politician's passing. Riteish shared a throwback photograph on Instagram alongside an emotional note written in Marathi.
The Tribute
In his Instagram post, Riteish wrote in Marathi: 'Tumhala jaoon 14 varsh jhaali. Maajhi vanvaas kaahi sampla naahi' — which translates to, 'It has been 14 years since you left, but my exile still hasn't ended.' The raw, personal metaphor of 'vanvaas' (exile) captured the depth of his grief. His wife, actor Genelia Deshmukh, responded in the comment section with broken heart emojis, silently echoing the family's continued mourning.
Vilasrao Deshmukh: A Life in Public Service
Vilasrao Deshmukh, a towering figure in Maharashtra politics and a senior leader of the Indian National Congress (INC), was diagnosed with cirrhosis in 2011. In the first week of August 2012, he was admitted to a Mumbai hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with liver and kidney failure. He was subsequently airlifted to Chennai for a liver transplant. He passed away the following day on 14 August 2012, reportedly due to multiple organ failure, with his family by his side.
Riteish's Recent Work
Beyond the personal grief, Riteish Deshmukh has remained professionally active. He was recently seen in Dhamaal 4, an adventure comedy directed by Indra Kumar and the fourth installment in the popular Dhamaal franchise — following Dhamaal (2007), Double Dhamaal (2011), and Total Dhamaal (2019). The film features an ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Jaaved Jaaferi, Ravi Kishan, Sanjay Mishra, Upendra Limaye, Anjali Anand, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Esha Gupta. The plot centres on a group of friends chasing the so-called 'Treasure of Life' through a series of comedic misadventures.
Lock Upp Season 2
Riteish also hosted the second edition of the reality show Lock Upp, alongside Farah Khan. The first edition, hosted by Kangana Ranaut in 2022, featured Karan Kundrra as Jailor and was won by Munawar Faruqui. The second season featured 14 inmates, 2 jailers, and ran for 6 weeks, with inmates completing tasks to earn in-game currency for basic necessities and privileges.
As the anniversary passes each year, Riteish's public tributes serve as a reminder of Vilasrao Deshmukh's lasting presence in both political history and family memory.
Point of View
Which resonates far beyond celebrity circles. Vilasrao Deshmukh remains an underexamined figure in Maharashtra's political history, and these anniversaries are one of the few occasions that bring him back into public discourse. That the remembrance comes on the eve of Independence Day adds a layer of national texture to an intensely personal moment.
NationPress
14 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Vilasrao Deshmukh pass away?
Vilasrao Deshmukh died on 14 August 2012 due to multiple organ failure. He had been airlifted from Mumbai to Chennai for a liver transplant after being diagnosed with liver and kidney failure.
What did Riteish Deshmukh post on the 14th death anniversary?
Riteish Deshmukh shared a throwback photograph on Instagram along with a note in Marathi that translates to: 'It has been 14 years since you left, but my exile still hasn't ended.' His wife Genelia Deshmukh commented with broken heart emojis.
Who was Vilasrao Deshmukh?
Vilasrao Deshmukh was a senior Indian National Congress (INC) leader and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He was a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics before his death in August 2012.
What films and shows has Riteish Deshmukh been in recently?
Riteish Deshmukh was recently seen in Dhamaal 4, directed by Indra Kumar, alongside an ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn and Arshad Warsi. He also co-hosted Lock Upp Season 2 with Farah Khan.
What is the meaning of 'vanvaas' in Riteish's tribute?
'Vanvaas' is a Marathi and Hindi word meaning exile or a period of dwelling away from one's home, often used in a spiritual or emotional sense. Riteish used it to describe the enduring sense of loss he feels 14 years after his father's death.
