EXCLUSIVE: Mukesh Khanna on Ranveer Singh playing Shaktimaan: I want someone whose image is good

Ever since it was reported that actor Ranveer Singh would be essaying the role of iconic character Shaktimaan, the OG hero Mukesh Khanna was against it. On several occasions, he has revealed that Ranveer doesn’t fit as the superhero and it came right after his nude photos controversy. During the latest episode of the Bollywood Bubble Podcast, Let’s Talk, reacting to Ranveer playing Shaktimaan, Khanna said that he wanted a person with a clean image.

Mukesh Khanna addresses reports of Ranveer Singh playing Shaktimaan

He told us, “That became the point of controversy. And that’s the reason I had to put my foot down because his name started appearing everywhere. So, even though it wasn’t in my contract, I had to speak up, which I technically shouldn’t have done, but I had to because it had become unacceptable that this actor was being cast. And I said, I haven’t said anything yet; all I’ve said is that I want someone whose image is good, someone whose facets are suitable. So to that extent, I can’t even answer you whether what I’ve said is true or false. Whether they will do it or not, let it remain hidden; don’t lift the curtain.“

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sony Pictures IN (@sonypicturesin)

Is Shaktimaan happening?

When asked to update us about the Shaktimaan movie and if it is being made. He said, “This standstill has been going on for two years. The pandemic set everything back by two years, and even after that, it continued to be delayed for so long that people started getting on my case, saying, “Come on, sir, let it go. When is Shaktimaan coming? Leave these spiritual talks, sir.” That’s what people say in the comments. But I can’t say anything because I have a contract with Sony. If I don’t reveal anything, it’s because I’m keeping quiet. It’s been four, five years now.

“Slowly, things have started moving. I can only say this much: Shaktimaan is being made, and it will be made on a very large scale. But I can’t comment on what will happen in it or how it is being made. One day, you’ll hear the news that the shooting has started, or you’ll find out how Shaktimaan will be. So, this question is not answerable today.“

In February 2022, Sony Pictures released an exciting announcement on the movie Shaktimaan. Since then, there have been reports of the Bajirao Mastani actor playing the titular role. Mukesh Khanna also kept sharing anecdotes about the movie. He even shared the budget of Shaktimaan, saying that it will be mounted on a huge scale of Rs 200-300 crore.

Watch the full interview here

Also read: Mukesh Khanna DELETES YouTube video and IG post after he rejected Ranveer Singh as Shaktimaan