Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Mukesh Khanna Rejects Ranveer Singh as Shaktimaan, Cites Image
Mukesh Khanna played Shaktimaan on Indian television.
A movie about the superhero was announced, and Ranveer Singh was interested in playing him.
Khanna says Ranveer is talented and extremely energetic.
However, he thinks Ranveer’s face and public image do not seem positive enough for Shaktimaan.
Khanna believes Ranveer could play Kilvish, the villain, instead.
Ranveer reportedly spent three hours trying to convince Khanna about the superhero role.
Khanna says he stopped a second payment worth crores because he wanted filmmakers to respect his views.
He says protecting Shaktimaan’s legacy matters more to him than accepting the money.
Mukesh Khanna says Ranveer Singh’s energy and acting are impressive but rejects him as Shaktimaan.
Khanna believes Shaktimaan requires a fresh face and an exceptionally positive image.
He suggested Ranveer Singh could play the villain Kilvish instead.
Khanna says he stopped a second cheque worth crores over disagreements about creative control.
The Shaktimaan film was announced in 2022, but reports say production has not begun.
- Who
- Mukesh Khanna and Ranveer Singh are the principal figures; Sony India and Sony International are connected with the planned film.
- What
- Khanna has opposed Ranveer Singh playing Shaktimaan and says Ranveer could instead play the villain Kilvish.
- When
- The comments were made in an interview with Subhojit Ghosh; the film was announced in 2022, and reports say production has not begun.
- Where
- Khanna discussed the issue in an interview and described meeting Ranveer Singh at his office.
- Why
- Khanna says Shaktimaan needs a fresh face, a strongly positive image, and creative treatment consistent with the character’s legacy.
Mukesh Khanna’s Position
Star-Casting and Production View
Who should play Shaktimaan?
Mukesh Khanna’s Position
Khanna says the superhero should be played by a fresh actor with a strongly positive image rather than an established star such as Ranveer Singh or Shah Rukh Khan.
Star-Casting and Production View
People who tried to persuade Khanna argued that a major actor can perform different kinds of roles and that Ranveer Singh’s ability, energy, and star value could suit Shaktimaan.
Ranveer Singh’s suitability
Mukesh Khanna’s Position
Khanna says Ranveer Singh can play roles such as Dhurandhar, Gully Boy, or Khilji, but not Shaktimaan; he considers him better suited to Kilvish.
Star-Casting and Production View
Ranveer Singh was reportedly highly interested in playing Shaktimaan and spent three hours trying to convince Khanna, reflecting support for his potential casting.
Creative control
Mukesh Khanna’s Position
Khanna says filmmakers must meaningfully consult him and fears they could portray Shaktimaan in ways that conflict with the character’s principles, such as showing him dancing in a disco.
Star-Casting and Production View
According to Khanna, the production side said it would consult him but would still make creative decisions independently, a condition he rejected.
- Character
- Shaktimaan is the superhero associated with Mukesh Khanna’s television series.
- Film status
- The film adaptation was announced in 2022, but reports say it has not started production.
- Casting dispute
- Khanna opposes Ranveer Singh playing Shaktimaan, although reports describe Ranveer as interested or nearly finalized for the role.
- Khanna’s reasoning
- Khanna says Shaktimaan requires a fresh face and a very positive image, which he does not associate with Ranveer Singh.
- Alternative role
- Khanna said Ranveer Singh could play Kilvish, the antagonist in the Shaktimaan story.
- Payment dispute
- Khanna says he accepted a first cheque but stopped a second cheque worth crores.
- Other actor mentioned
- Khanna said Allu Arjun might have a more positive appearance for Shaktimaan, while clarifying that he did not offer him the role.
Sources
'Kilvish Ka Role Kar Sakta Hai...': Mukesh Khanna On Why Ranveer Singh Can't Play Character Of Shaktimaan
Mukesh Khanna Rejects Ranveer Singh As Shaktimaan Due To His 'Mischievous Face': He Can Play Villain Kilvish
