Mukesh Khanna: ‘No competition with Ranveer Singh, I’m focused on Shaktimaan legacy’

Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, known for portraying India’s iconic superhero Shaktimaan, recently announced the character’s return to Indian screens. His announcement sparked speculation online, with some suggesting it was a response to newer actors like Ranveer Singh wanting to take on the role. To clarify, Mukesh addressed the rumors on his X handle.

In a post late Wednesday, Mukesh shared a picture of himself in his Shaktimaan costume, with the message “Lo main aa gaya” (Here I come) and a caption explaining his position. He emphasized that he is already Shaktimaan and there can’t be another Shaktimaan without him. He dismissed the notion that he was trying to compete with Ranveer Singh or any other actor. Mukesh stated he wasn’t aiming to prove he’s better than anyone else but was focused on creating the legacy of Shaktimaan.

Mukesh further explained that his return as an older Shaktimaan was intended to pass on important messages to today’s generation. He believes that as the original Shaktimaan, he can better address the issues affecting today’s youth, especially with the growing presence of darkness and evil in the world. “Andhera kaayam ho raha hai” (Darkness is prevailing), he said, stressing the urgency of this message.

While he affirmed there will be a new Shaktimaan, Mukesh made it clear that the search for the actor to take over the role is still ongoing, and he doesn’t know who it will be yet.

The original Shaktimaan show, which aired in 1997 on Doordarshan, remains one of India’s most beloved superhero series. It ran for over 450 episodes and continues to hold nostalgic value for many. Last year, rumors circulated that Ranveer Singh was in talks to play the new Shaktimaan in a film, but the project has since been shelved.