Dhurandhar star Ranveer Singh won’t be playing Shaktimaan. Mukesh Khanna says: ‘I am losing crores of rupees….’

Despite the massive commercial success of Dhurandhar 2, which reportedly crossed ₹1755 crore globally, veteran actor Mukesh Khanna continues to question whether Ranveer Singh is the right choice to portray the legendary superhero Shaktimaan. In a recent interaction with Zoom TV, Khanna reiterated his reservations when asked if his opinion had changed following Ranveer’s recent achievements.

He acknowledged Ranveer’s exceptional acting range and energetic screen presence, noting that the actor has successfully taken on a wide variety of roles across genres, from intense historical portrayals to contemporary characters. However, Khanna emphasized that playing Shaktimaan demands more than versatility and enthusiasm. According to him, the character requires a specific persona and appearance that aligns perfectly with the image audiences have long associated with the superhero.

The Importance of Physical Presence and Authenticity

Khanna explained that for iconic or historical figures, visual authenticity plays a crucial role. He drew comparisons with characters like Prithviraj Chauhan, suggesting that an actor must convincingly resemble the figure they are portraying rather than relying on artificial enhancements such as wigs or styling. He referenced past portrayals where he felt the visual aspect did not fully align with expectations, highlighting the importance of natural suitability over cosmetic adjustments.


Reflecting on his own experiences, he recalled the intense preparation required for his roles, particularly when playing historical characters. The transformation process often involved extensive time spent on costumes and elaborate headgear, reinforcing his belief that authenticity should not be compromised.

Creative Differences and Financial Stakes

Khanna further revealed that his stance has come with significant financial consequences. He shared that lucrative offers, reportedly worth crores, have been presented by Sony for the project. However, he has chosen to hold firm on his vision, even at the cost of losing substantial earnings.

He expressed a clear difference in approach between himself and the producers. While the production side prefers casting a well-established star to ensure commercial appeal, Khanna advocates for discovering a fresh face. He believes that conducting nationwide auditions could uncover someone who embodies the simplicity, sincerity, and visual suitability required for the role. In his view, actors who already carry a strong public image may struggle to fully transform into the character of Shaktimaan.

Challenges Behind the Scenes

The project has also faced hurdles in its development phase. Filmmaker Basil Joseph, who was earlier associated with directing the film adaptation, eventually stepped away. He later shared his disappointment with the working style of the Hindi film industry, indicating that the time he invested in the project did not yield the expected results.

A Legacy That Defines Expectations

Mukesh Khanna remains deeply connected to the character, having originally brought Shaktimaan to life in the television series Shaktimaan, which he also created and produced. He is equally remembered for portraying Bhishma in Mahabharat, produced by B. R. Chopra. These iconic roles continue to shape his expectations for how such characters should be represented on screen, driving his insistence on finding the perfect fit for Shaktimaan.

Shaktimaan is a Hindi-language superhero show from India, conceptualised and produced by Mukesh Khanna. Drawing creative influence from the American comic-book hero Superman, the series was broadcast on DD National between September 13, 1997, and March 27, 2005.

Mukesh Khanna played the central character, a superhero who acquires extraordinary powers through deep meditation and mastery over the five natural elements. He also portrayed the hero’s everyday identity, Pandit Gangadhar Vidhyadhar Mayadhar Omkarnath Shastri, a modest photographer working for the fictional newspaper Aaj Ki Aawaz. The narrative followed the contrast between this simple civilian life and his powerful alter ego dedicated to protecting society.

The show featured a strong supporting cast, including Vaishnavi Mahant, with the role initially portrayed by Kitu Gidwani, as journalist Geeta Vishwas. Surendra Pal played the main antagonist, Tamraj Kilvish, a dark and menacing figure who opposed the hero throughout the series.

The program gained immense popularity during its run and became especially influential among younger viewers. It was widely appreciated for promoting moral values and positive messaging, and Mukesh Khanna’s portrayal of the superhero earned recognition and praise from several Indian leaders for its cultural impact.