Mukesh Khanna, best known for her portrayal of the Indian superhero 'Shaktimaan', recently announced that he will be back as the beloved 90s superhero again. A big-screen reboot of the show was also announced in 2022 with rumours that Ranveer Singh will play the role but Khanna has consistently opposed his casting. In a new interview, he went on to rule out Tiger Shroff as well, sharing why he feels Shroff isn’t the right choice either.
Why Tiger Shroff can't play Shatimaan
In a conversation with ABP Entertainment Live, Khanna explained why Tiger Shroff can’t play the role of the superhero. Calling him a good actor, Khanna said in Hindi, “Forgive me, but if Tiger Shroff tells a child to flush the toilet as Shaktimaan, the kid will turn around and say to him, ‘Tu baith jaa (Sit down),’” Khanna quipped, suggesting that Shroff’s youthful image lacks the maturity required for the role.
Watch the full interview here:
Mukesh Khanna wants someone with required stature to play Shaktimaan
Khanna further elaborated on what Shaktimaan represents, describing him as a character with “seriousness, wisdom, and evolution.” He stressed, “Shaktimaan isn’t a brainless brawler. He has a seriousness, he is wise. He is an evolved person, for God’s sake. He is not an ordinary Arnold Schwarzenegger, nor does he have a suit like Iron Man, nor has he flown in from Krypton like Superman. His costume is created by combining the five elements. You can imagine the power he wields, and I don’t want someone who doesn’t have the required stature playing him.”
At a recent press conference, Khanna shared that no actor can assume the role in the movie adaptation without his approval. The reboot, announced by Sony Pictures International in 2022, is rumoured to feature Ranveer in the lead, with Minnal Murali director Basil Joseph attached to direct.