Mukesh Khanna's Shaktimaan ran on Doordarshan from 1997 to 2005. In a new interview, Khanna reacted to the rumors of casting Ranveer Singh as Shaktimaan.

Ranveer Singh and Mukesh Khanna as Shaktimaan
Last Updated: 05.10 PM, Aug 17, 2025
Mukesh Khanna's Shaktimaan is one of the greatest TV shows that changed the lives and thoughts of every kid back in the late 1990s, for the better. It became a household name and still has its own aura. Now that a film version is in the works, fans are curious to see who will step into this iconic Shaktimaan's role. It is being reported that the studio is trying for Ranveer Singh, but Mukesh Khanna disagrees with the choice.
During a conversation with Filmygyan, a fan requested Mukesh Khanna to let Ranveer Singh play the role of Shaktimaan. To this, the veteran actor said that his mind won't change. He said that he likes Ranveer Singh and they have sat and talked for three hours, and he's a very energetic actor.
"But I have openly said to his face, You can play Tamraj Kilvish (the story's villain). His face has a mischievous positivity. This actor – if you tell him to play Shaktimaan, you might enjoy it because he makes you dance, but you need someone mature enough to play Shaktimaan," Khanna said.
Mukesh Khanna also explained that casting a superhero is not just about talent. According to him, an actor's real-life personality is also important.
He also added that he does not just need an actor for Shaktimaan, he needs the right face. "Somewhere, if your real-life image is wrong, it gets in the way.' Many people tell me about Ranveer Singh, saying, ‘Sir, please don't make this druggie Shaktimaan, our childhood memories will be ruined,'" Mukesh concluded.
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Shaktimaan is an Indian superhero television series where a photojournalist named Gangadhar, who possesses the alter ego of the superhero Shaktimaan. Shaktimaan gains his strength through meditation and the five elements of nature, fighting against the forces of evil led by Tamraj Kilvish. Created by Mukesh Khanna, the series emphasizes moral values and social messages along with superhero action. In the fan-favorite Shaktimaan, Mukesh played the dual role of Gangadhar and Shaktimaan.
Q: Who will play Shaktimaan in the upcoming film?
A: As of now, the casting for the Shaktimaan film has not been finalised. Rumours have linked Ranveer Singh to the role, but Mukesh Khanna has not confirmed any actor.
Q: Did Mukesh Khanna approve Ranveer Singh as Shaktimaan?
A: No. While Mukesh Khanna praised Ranveer Singh as a talented actor and good human being, he clarified that he never approved him for the role of Shaktimaan.
Q: When will the Shaktimaan movie release?
A: No official release date has been announced due to ongoing delays and disputes over casting.