Mukesh Khanna clarifies his stance: “It’s not about being better than Ranveer Singh; it’s about Shaktimaan’s legacy.”
Mukesh Khanna clarifies his stance: "It's not about being better than Ranveer Singh; it's about Shaktimaan's legacy."
Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, renowned for his role as India’s original superhero Shaktimaan, excited fans this week by revealing that the beloved character will be making a comeback on Indian television. However, when online discussions suggested that this move was a response to newer stars like Ranveer Singh aspiring to portray Shaktimaan, Mukesh felt the need to clarify his position.
Mukesh posted a new photo of himself in his Shaktimaan costume on his X account late Wednesday night, pointing directly at the camera. The accompanying text in Hindi read, “Lo main aa gaya (Here I come) Shaktimaan Returns.” In the caption, Mukesh stated, “I want to clarify a misunderstanding that some of my viewers have developed, believing that with this song and press conference, I announced I would be the next Shaktimaan. That is completely incorrect. Let me explain.”
“Firstly, why should I claim that I will be the next Shaktimaan? I am already Shaktimaan. There can only be another Shaktimaan if there is a Shaktimaan, and I am that Shaktimaan. Without me, there cannot be another Shaktimaan, as I have to build the legacy of Shaktimaan,” Mukesh stated. “Secondly, I am not here to prove or show that I am superior to Ranveer Singh or anyone else who might take on the role of Shaktimaan. They can become the next Shaktimaan,” he added.
I have come to clarify a misconception which a section of my viewers are started having that through this song and press conference i had come to declare to the world that i will be the next Shaktimaan.
— Mukesh Khanna (@actmukeshkhanna) November 13, 2024
Totally wrong. Let me explain.
1- Firstly why should i say i will be the… pic.twitter.com/oJ0CQmKSsj
Mukesh then explained why he is returning as Shaktimaan after 24 years. He said, “I came back as the older Shaktimaan to convey messages to today’s generation because I believe that the older Shaktimaan is in a better position to do so than a new one, as the older Shaktimaan already has a ready-made audience from the last 27 years.”
“I came with a patriotic quiz song as the older Shaktimaan because I can, and everyone should clearly see that darkness and evil are prevailing over the children of today. In Shaktimaan’s language, it can be said – ‘Andhera kaayam ho raha hai’ (Darkness is prevailing). So, the need of the hour is that this message should be urgently passed,” he added. Mukesh also clarified that there will be a new Shaktimaan, but he doesn’t know who that will be yet. “The hunt is still on,” he reasoned.
Shaktimaan, which first aired in 1997 on Doordarshan, became one of India’s most beloved superhero shows, with over 450 episodes, creating nostalgic memories for millions. Last year, there were reports of Ranveer Singh wanting to take on the role of the new Shaktimaan in a movie and spending more than two hours at Mukesh Khanna’s home to persuade him. However, the film project has since been put on hold.
