Mukesh Khanna reveals Ranveer Singh 'chased him for hours' over Shaktimaan casting, said, "Itna interested tha ki teen ghante tak convince karne ki koshish ki..."

Mukesh Khanna reveals Ranveer Singh 'chased him for hours' over Shaktimaan casting, said, "Itna interested tha ki teen ghante tak convince karne ki koshish ki..."

Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, who became a household name with his iconic portrayal of Shaktimaan, has spoken out about the long-awaited film adaptation of the popular superhero series. Known for his outspoken nature and strong views, Khanna has revealed fresh details about the delays, casting disputes, and why he remains fiercely protective of Shaktimaan’s image.

Speaking to Galatta India, Khanna explained that while Sony International currently holds the film rights, the creative control over Shaktimaan’s essence remains with him. “The IPR is still mine. But, we have given them rights for seven years to make a film. Maine likhva dia hai ki film mein Shaktiman ki aatma change nahi hogi. They have written that we won’t change Shaktiman’s values,” he said.

However, Khanna admitted that he was unable to secure a written agreement giving him final approval over the casting of the lead role. “I couldn’t get it in written that the actor would be cast with my permission. They have a point now ki hum aapse poochenge zaroor, lekin final call humaari hogi. Yahin mein atak gaya. If Shaktimaan is dancing in a disco and I say that I don’t like it, you would still do what you want. Then what’s the point of asking me?”

Over the past few years, speculation has been rife that Bollywood star Ranveer Singh might step into the superhero’s boots. Addressing these rumours, Khanna revealed that Singh personally met him to discuss the project. “Ranveer came to my office, sat with me for three hours. Very nice meeting, very nice actor and human being. Itna interested tha ki teen ghante tak convince karne ki koshish ki. Ultimately, I always felt that he can’t be cast in Shaktimaan’s role. I am still rigid on that point.”
The actor-producer made it clear that he is ready to go to great lengths to protect Shaktimaan’s image. “It’s a war now. If you won’t listen to me, then go and make Shaktimaan without me. I will fight till I can fight. I will take them to court if required. Main Shaktimaan ke gaane aur music release nahi kar sakta, because I sold them to someone by mistake,” he said.

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Khanna also touched upon the film’s delay, attributing it to “technical grounds” and disagreements about creative choices. While he acknowledged that Sony International has invested in the project, he stressed that maintaining Shaktimaan’s core values was non-negotiable.

First aired on Doordarshan from 1997 to 2005, Shaktimaan was India’s first major superhero TV show. Created and played by Mukesh Khanna, it followed Pandit Gangadhar, a humble and kind-hearted photographer who gained extraordinary powers through deep meditation and a connection to the five natural elements. The show became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a generation of children and cementing Khanna’s status as a television legend.