Mukesh Khanna reveals what happened when Ranveer Singh tried to convince him to play Shaktimaan: ‘Akshay Kumar kyu nahi lage Prithviraj Chauhan bataye’ | Hindi Movie News

Mukesh Khanna, the iconic actor who portrayed Shaktimaan in the popular 90s superhero series, recently shared an interesting anecdote about Bollywood star Ranveer Singh‘s attempts to convince him to play the titular role in the upcoming season. Speaking at a special event where the veteran actor announced the return of Shaktimaan, Khanna revealed that Singh had come to his office and spent over two hours trying to persuade him to cast him as the superhero.
Khanna, however, was clear that casting decisions are ultimately the producer’s call and not something an actor can influence. He appreciated Ranveer Singh’s enthusiasm and energy, acknowledging him as a “terrific actor,” but emphasized that the role of Shaktimaan is about more than just star power. “It’s not about being a big actor; it’s about having the right presence and aura to play Shaktimaan,” Khanna explained.
He also humorously referenced the casting of Akshay Kumar as Prithviraj Chauhan in Prithviraj, noting that simply wearing a mustache and avoiding a wig didn’t make him look the part of the historical figure. “Aagar Prithviraj Chauhan kyu nahi lage Akshay Kumar bataye mujhe aap, wig nahi pehna aur ek mustache laga diya aise nahi hota,” he said. For Khanna, it’s about ensuring the actor fits the character in essence, not just appearance.
Mukesh Khanna has been protective over who will fill the shoes of Shaktimaan in the new season. He also noted that while Singh’s dedication was commendable, the final decision on casting rests with him. Mukesh Khanna further teased fans with the announcement of the new Shaktimaan season, sharing a teaser on social media on November 10, 2024, sparking excitement among fans eager to see the superhero’s return to the screen.