'Ranveer Singh doesn't have right image': Mukesh Khanna on why he cannot play Shaktimaan

Mukesh Khanna and Ranveer Singh. Pics via Instagram and AFP

Mukesh Khanna isn't ready to let go of his iconic superhero just yet. The actor, who became synonymous with Shaktimaan for an entire generation of Indian viewers, has once again opened up about the proposed big-screen adaptation and his objections to Ranveer Singh playing the superhero.

Ranveer Singh as Shaktimaan?

In a fresh interview with Subhojit Ghosh, Khanna questioned why he should "move on" from the character when he was the one who created and portrayed Shaktimaan. The actor has previously made his reservations about Ranveer clear, insisting that the superhero needs a particular look and personality that he doesn't associate with the Bollywood star.

"Ranveer Singh can play Dhurandhar, Gully Boy, Khilji but not Shaktimaan," Khanna said, explaining that while he considers Ranveer a good actor, he doesn't believe his image fits the superhero. According to him, "For that, we need the right image and face, something he doesn't have. He has a mischievous face, a scheming face. Shaktimaan has to be very positive, very positive."

Interestingly, Khanna believes Ranveer could still have a place in the Shaktimaan universe, just not as its hero. He revealed that he had even suggested Ranveer play Kilwish, the show's antagonist, pointing to the actor's performance as Alauddin Khilji in Padmaavat.

Shaktimaan's legacy comes first

Khanna also recalled Ranveer's enthusiasm during their meeting. According to the veteran actor, Ranveer spent nearly three hours at his office trying to convince him that he could play Shaktimaan. Khanna described him as extraordinarily energetic, saying he had rarely seen an actor who could barely sit still.

Despite appreciating Ranveer's talent and energy, Khanna maintained that he couldn't visualise him as Shaktimaan. He also clarified that his earlier praise for Ranveer had been misconstrued as an endorsement of his casting.

The actor revealed that he has taken an uncompromising stand over the proposed film, even claiming that he blocked Sony India and Sony International from moving ahead without his approval. He said, "No doubt, commercially, I am behaving like a stupid person. I have held back a cheque worth crores, not lakhs, crores. People in my own office told me, ‘Sir, take the cheque. You can fight later.'"

Khanna fears that if the makers have complete creative freedom, Shaktimaan could eventually be portrayed in ways that don't fit the character, including being shown dancing in a disco.

While he acknowledged that refusing a lucrative deal may appear commercially foolish, Khanna said money cannot come before his principles. He also pointed out that he has mentioned Allu Arjun as someone who could potentially fit the superhero's positive image, but stressed that he never formally offered him the role.

For Khanna, the debate isn't about Ranveer's acting ability. It is about finding the right face and preserving what Shaktimaan has represented to Indian audiences for decades