Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, famously known for his portrayal of the iconic Indian superhero 'Shaktimaan', is back in the headlines. At 66, Khanna announced his return as Shaktimaan, wearing the character’s well-known red superhero suit. While rumors have circulated for some time about a potential Shaktimaan film, Mukesh confirmed that he would be reprising the role himself. His announcement didn’t go down well with netizens and the actor was trolled.
Mukesh Khanna announces his return as Shakitmaan
In an interaction with ANI, Mukesh shared his excitement and expressed a sense of deep personal connection with the character. He said, “This is a costume within me…I think personally too, in my mind, this costume has come from within me…I did well in Shaktimaan because it came from within me…Acting is all about confidence. I forget about the camera when I am shooting…I am even happier than the others about becoming Shaktimaan again.”
Khanna also spoke about his motivation to return, stating, “I am carrying out my duty that I started in 1997 and which went on till 2005. I think that my work should reach the public in 2027 because today’s generation is running blindly. They have to be stopped and told to catch their breath…”
His comments hint at a desire to connect with younger audiences and bring the character’s timeless values to a new generation.
Netizens troll Mukesh Khanna
However, many fans took to social media to express their doubts and humour over Khanna’s return as the superhero. Comments on platforms like Reddit and X reflected mixed reactions, with some questioning whether the actor could still do justice to such a physically demanding role. One user on Reddit joked, “Imagine after few bouts of fight, Shaktimaan being admitted to Max Hospital.”
Another expressed nostalgia mixed with concern, writing, “Shaktimaan was a fond memory for many of us, now it is on track to turn into a nightmare!”
Another user wrote, “Dude is stuck in the past. Someone should speak sense to him.”
“It’s time to move on. He could have done a cameo or someone who advised the new Shaktimaan from time to time so that his ego can be satisfied too,” another social media user commented.
Another comment read, “He has become a clown. Someone please give him a Rajya Sabha and save my childhood nostalgia. What a fall!”
Another user wrote, “Chacha is living in a parallel universe right now.”
“Don't ruin Shaktiman pls, don't do it,” read a comment.
Ranveer Singh was earlier considered for Shaktimaan movie
Bollywood star Ranveer Singh was earlier being considered to play Shaktimaan in a modern adaptation for the big screen but Mukesh Khanna disapproved of the actor to reprise the superhero role.
In a conversation with Bollywood Thikana, Mukesh Khanna had said earlier, “Now people know that Ranveer Singh came to convince me to allow him to reprise the role of Shaktiman. I can’t hide it also because later people said that I lauded Ranveer and called him a terrific actor. News of Ranveer being confirmed to play Shaktiman started coming but I hadn’t agreed to it.”
Khanna further elaborated on why he wasn’t sold on Ranveer playing the titular superhero role, stating, “I also have a conflict with Sony, and I had put up a video clarifying that I haven’t approved Ranveer to play the role. The reason is that... Ranveer sat in front of me that day for three hours, but ultimately I had to tell him that what needed to be seen on his face wasn’t there. He looks playful, like someone who would trick others.”