Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, known for his iconic role as Shaktimaan, recently shared insights about his discussions with Ranveer Singh and Yash Raj Films (YRF) over the much-anticipated Shaktimaan reboot. The actor revealed that he had suggested Ranveer Singh for the role of the villain, Tamraj Kilvish, instead of Shaktimaan, expressing concerns about the project potentially becoming a “disco drama.”
According to Indian Express, speaking about the meeting with Ranveer, Mukesh clarified rumours about making the actor wait. “It’s wrong to say I made him wait. Ranveer came with love and spent three hours genuinely talking to me. He tried to convince me that he could play Shaktimaan and even enacted how he would do it. However, I felt his energy would be better suited for the antagonist Tamraj Kilvish.”
Mukesh also revealed that the interest in a Shaktimaan reboot isn’t new. “Ten years ago, Aditya Chopra’s team approached me to acquire the rights to Shaktimaan. Around the same time, a photo of Ranveer in Shaktimaan’s costume started circulating online. I refused to sell the rights and suggested collaborating with me instead. My primary concern was to maintain the essence of Shaktimaan and not turn it into a flashy, modernized version,” he explained.
Despite Ranveer’s enthusiasm and the backing of YRF, Mukesh Khanna remained hesitant. “Ranveer’s energy is incredible, and he spoke passionately about the role. But I believe Shaktimaan requires a different kind of portrayal—one rooted in simplicity and calmness, which was the essence of the character. Ranveer could have excelled as Kilvish, bringing his dynamic persona to the antagonist’s role,” he said.
Mukesh also addressed how modern cinematic trends influenced YRF’s approach. “Ranveer’s team, including his PR manager, tried to convince me about what works in today’s times. But Shaktimaan is not just a superhero; it’s a legacy. My aim is to protect its soul while updating it for new audiences.”
The meeting between Mukesh Khanna and Ranveer Singh ended without a resolution, leaving fans curious about the future of Shaktimaan.
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