Mukesh Khanna Slams Ranveer Singh and Akshay Kumar Over Iconic Roles Controversy

Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, known for his iconic portrayal of the superhero Shaktimaan, has made headlines once again, this time for his sharp critique of Bollywood actors Ranveer Singh and Akshay Kumar. Khanna recently addressed the controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh's attempt to play the role of Shaktimaan, as well as Akshay Kumar's portrayal of Prithviraj Chauhan in his recent film.

 

Khanna was interacting with the media during the launch of the song Katha Azadi ke Veeron Ki, which featured him reprising his beloved Shaktimaan character. When asked about Ranveer Singh reportedly waiting for hours to meet him for the role, Khanna responded candidly, "I didn’t make him wait for two and a half hours; he waited by himself. You all are ridiculing me. I didn’t ask Ranveer to come to my office. He came of his own accord." Khanna emphasized that while Singh is a "terrific actor with amazing energy," the decision of who should play Shaktimaan ultimately rests with him, as the character’s creator. "It is not up to an actor to decide who should play Shaktimaan. A producer casts the actors, not the other way around," Khanna explained, adding that the character needs to have a specific look and presence — something he feels Singh does not quite embody.

 

Khanna further slammed Akshay Kumar’s Prithviraj film, criticizing the actor for not matching the stature of the historical figure. “It’s the same reason Prithviraj starring Akshay Kumar didn’t work,” Khanna said. "He didn’t look the part. He just put a mustache on and thought that would work. One needs to exude power, presence, and grace — qualities that are essential for portraying such legendary figures." According to Khanna, the essence of these iconic characters isn’t just about star power but about looking the part and delivering a performance that matches the magnitude of the role.

 

On bringing Shaktimaan back to a new generation, Khanna expressed his commitment to ensuring the superhero’s legacy continues. "I am carrying out my duty that I started in 1997, which went on till 2005. I believe that my work should reach the public in 2027 because today’s generation is running blindly. They need to be stopped and told to catch their breath." With a growing nostalgia for Shaktimaan, Khanna aims to pass the torch to the younger generation while preserving the values and essence that made the show so popular.

 

Shaktimaan, which originally aired on Doordarshan in 1997, became a massive cultural phenomenon, with Khanna’s portrayal of the superhero leaving an indelible mark on Indian television. The show, which ran for over 450 episodes, remains a nostalgic memory for millions, and Khanna's passionate defense of the character highlights his deep connection to the role and his commitment to its legacy. As the superhero genre continues to evolve, Khanna's words serve as a reminder that certain roles demand more than just celebrity status — they require authenticity, presence, and a true understanding of the character's significance.

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