Shaktimaan Star Mukesh Khanna Returns as the Iconic Superhero

Actor Mukesh Khanna, known for his iconic portrayal of Shaktimaan, has announced his return to the role, despite a strong backlash from fans and netizens on social media. Khanna, who exhibited the character for the first time in 1997, claims it has become a part of him and he aims to revive Shaktimaan for the new generation.

Mukesh Khanna faced backlash from fans and netizens after announcing plans to play the role of Shaktimaan again, with many thinking it's high time for him to pass on the character. However, Khanna has expressed his desire to continue playing the role, crediting it as something he began in 1997 and wants to complete by 2027. Feeling attached to the character, Khanna believes that he should be the one to decide who plays Shaktimaan, as he is the creator.

Khanna has also gone after fellow Indian actors Ranveer Singh and Akshay Kumar, critiquing their choice of iconic roles. According to him, Ranveer Singh arrived 2.5 hours late for a meeting about playing Shaktimaan but never asked to be considered. Khanna faults Akshay Kumar's portrayal of Prithviraj Chauhan, saying that Kumar didn't portray the character's strength and presence properly. Khanna stressed the importance of authenticity and character presence in storytelling, saying modern entertainment frequently prioritizes popular stars over authenticity and character presence.

Mukesh Khanna started acting in 1984 and rose to fame with his iconic role in 'Mahabharat.' Prior to taking on the role of Shaktimaan in 1997, Khanna attended St. Xavier's College and the Film and Television Institute of India. Khanna's longevity as an actor as well as the longevity of Shaktimaan have significantly contributed to his lasts name, with Khanna being recognized for his performances in TV shows and receiving several nominations in the process (Source).