Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, known for his iconic portrayal of India’s first superhero Shaktimaan, recently took to Instagram to express his disapproval of rumours surrounding Ranveer Singh’s casting in the upcoming “Shaktimaan” film.
The post, featuring a combined picture of Khanna and Singh, sparked a firestorm on social media. Khanna, who embodied the righteous Shaktimaan for years, used the caption to voice his concerns: “Pura social media mahinon se is rumour se bhara pada tha ki Ranveer karega Shaktimaan. Aur har koi naaraz tha ise lekar. Main chup raha. Lekin jub channels ne bhi elaan karna shuru kar diya ki Ranveer sign ho gaya hai. To mujhe muhn kholana pada (For months, social media was abuzz with the rumor that Ranveer Singh would play Shaktimaan. Everyone was unhappy about it. I remained silent. But when channels started announcing Ranveer has been signed, I had to speak up).”
Khanna’s strong words echoed the sentiments of many fans who associate Shaktimaan with a specific image of righteousness and moral virtue.
Mukesh Khanna didn’t stop at the Instagram post. He elaborated on his views in a YouTube video titled “Shaktimaan: Mukesh Khanna disapproves Ranveer Singh’s casting; bashes him for his nude photoshoot.” In the video, Khanna reiterated his stance, questioning whether an actor with such a contrasting public image could embody the essence of Shaktimaan.
The “Shaktimaan” film has been shrouded in secrecy for quite some time. While an official announcement regarding the cast hasn’t been made, rumours of Ranveer Singh’s involvement have been swirling for months. Fan reactions have been largely negative, with many expressing a desire to see a more fitting actor portray the beloved superhero.
Khanna’s strong reaction stems from his deep association with the character. His portrayal of Shaktimaan in the 90s television series remains etched in the memories of generations of Indian viewers. For many, he is the definitive Shaktimaan, making it difficult to imagine anyone else stepping into the role.
Khanna’s comments raise an interesting debate. Should an actor’s public image necessarily dictate their casting choices? While some argue that a character’s essence should be reflected in the actor portraying them, others believe acting prowess can bridge the gap. Ultimately, the success of the film will depend on the director’s vision, Ranveer Singh’s performance (if he is indeed cast), and the overall execution of the project.
The producers of the “Shaktimaan” film have yet to respond to Khanna’s outburst or confirm the casting rumours. However, this controversy has undoubtedly generated significant buzz around the project. Whether it translates into box office success or alienates a core fanbase remains to be seen.
