Mukesh Khanna, the man who made the 90s generation believe in superheroes with his iconic portrayal of Shaktimaan, is not ready to let go of his superhero persona just yet. The 65-year-old actor recently surprised fans by donning his Shaktimaan costume once again, announcing his return as the beloved superhero. But while Khanna might be nostalgic for the good old days, the internet seems less than thrilled about the idea.
This announcement comes amidst buzzing rumors that a Shaktimaan film is in the works, with Ranveer Singh rumored to take on the mantle. But Mukesh Khanna isn’t having any of it. He’s made it clear that he doesn’t approve of Ranveer stepping into the role, and it looks like his co-star from the original series, Vaibhavi McDonald (who played Geeta Biswas), agrees. In a recent interview, McDonald echoed Khanna’s sentiments, suggesting that it’s a role too tied to his legacy.
Khanna’s commitment to the role is almost method acting on steroids. In an interview with ANI, he passionately declared, “This is a costume within me… I think personally too, in my mind, this costume has come from within me.” He went on to add that acting is about confidence and that he forgets about the camera when he’s in character. This isn’t just a costume for him; it’s a lifestyle.
He further elaborated, “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.” It sounds like Khanna wants to be less of a superhero and more of a life coach.
However, the response from 90s kids — who are now full-grown adults — has been less than enthusiastic. Many believe it’s time for Khanna to retire the role and pass the baton to a younger actor. One user joked, “Imagine after a few bouts of fight, Shaktimaan being admitted to Max Hospital.” Another comment read, “Dude is stuck in the past. Someone should speak sense to him.”
#MukeshKhanna Ruining #Shaktimaan Nostalgia 😥 pic.twitter.com/7bDK4PDzVF
— Ashwani kumar (@BorntobeAshwani) November 11, 2024
Casting Ranveer was never the problem , this guy just doesn’t want anyone to be Shaktimaan… BUT HIM 🥸. pic.twitter.com/BKR8BC52g2
— Talking About Your Fav (@TalkShit0) November 11, 2024
Thank God I switched from Shaktimaan to Power Rangers, or I’d be traumatized realizing the guy behind Shaktimaan is a low-IQ, self-obsessed blowhard. A couple of months ago, he even claimed Odias and Biharis can’t understand the ‘Kalki’ movie.pic.twitter.com/ENwhCjVtuf
— Lord Immy Kant (Eastern Exile) (@KantInEast) November 11, 2024
90’s kid, your maturity is realising Shaktimaan is the actual villain. https://t.co/GUikjRRd72
— MANOJ (@LytninSlowNinja) November 11, 2024
One particularly frustrated fan vented on social media: “People are fed up with all your fake promises and lies. You yourself have ruined the legacy of Shaktimaan. Now even Sony might shelve the project. Too much negative publicity and controversy created by yourself has destroyed the reputation you earned with Bheeshm Pitamah and Shaktimaan.” The user even hilariously suggested that PM Modi himself take on the role if Khanna won’t step aside.
While Mukesh Khanna’s passion for the character is undeniable, the reception to his return indicates that the nostalgia isn’t translating well to a new era of fans. Perhaps it’s time for Khanna to finally hang up the red cape and let a new actor step into the legendary role — or risk turning his beloved Shaktimaan into a punchline rather than a superhero icon.