“He Has a Scheming Face”: Mukesh Khanna Explains Why Ranveer Singh Isn’t Right for ‘Shaktimaan’
The iconic Hindi-language superhero Shaktimaan remains a cultural touchstone, defined largely by the portrayal of veteran actor Mukesh Khanna. As production houses continue to explore ways to revive the beloved character for a modern audience, Khanna remains a steadfast gatekeeper, frequently rejecting casting choices that he believes fail to honor the legacy of the original hero.
In a recent, candid interview with Subhojit Ghosh, Khanna addressed the persistent rumors surrounding the casting of Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh in the role of the titular superhero.
“Talented, but Not a Fit”
While Khanna was quick to clarify that he has immense respect for Singh’s professional capabilities, he drew a firm line between being a talented actor and embodying the specific persona of Shaktimaan.
“Ranveer Singh can play Dhurandhar, Gully Boy, and Khilji, but not Shaktimaan,” Khanna stated during the interview. “For that, we need the right image and face—something he doesn’t have. He has a mischievous face, a scheming face. Shaktimaan has to be very positive, very positive.”
Khanna revealed that Singh had actually approached him for the role, showing significant interest. The veteran star noted that he even offered the actor the part of the series’ main antagonist, Kilwish, but Singh was set on playing the hero.
A Three-Hour Effort to Convince
Recounting the meeting, Khanna admitted to feeling a sense of guilt for turning down the high-energy star. “He sat here for three hours and tried very hard to convince me,” Khanna shared. “He was so energetic… I have never seen a more energetic man than him. After Dev Anand Saab, this is the one actor I have seen with so much energy. He just cannot sit still.”
Despite being genuinely impressed by Singh’s charisma and vigor, Khanna maintained that he could not reconcile the actor’s high-octane, “mischievous” screen presence with the serene, virtuous aura required for Shaktimaan.
Preserving a Legacy Over Profit
The decision to block the casting has come at a financial cost, as many industry peers have pressured the veteran star to leverage a big name like Singh to ensure the project’s commercial success. However, Khanna remains unmoved by the prospect of a massive payday if it compromises his vision.
“I have to preserve Shaktimaan’s legacy. Commercially, yes, it may be a very stupid decision,” he admitted. “People tell me, ‘He’s such a big actor; he can do it. Why don’t you believe it?’ But I can see that desperation in the viewers, and I have to stand by what I believe in.”
Shaktimaan, which originally aired from 1997 to 2005, spans seven years of Indian television history. For Mukesh Khanna, who defined the role for a generation, the character is not just a commercial property—it is a responsibility he intends to guard until the “right face” comes along.
