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Ranveer Singh Failed to Convince Mukesh Khanna
Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, best known for playing the iconic superhero Shaktimaan, recently revealed that no present-day actor, including Ranveer Singh or Akshay Kumar, can reprise the role. In a candid interview with Bollywood Thikana, Khanna shared how Ranveer Singh attempted to persuade him to approve his casting as Shaktimaan. Despite a 3-hour-long meeting, Khanna remained unconvinced.
Khanna explained his reservations, stating, “Ranveer looks too playful, like someone who would trick others. What Shaktimaan requires is a face that exudes innocence and honesty. Ranveer, for all his talent, lacks that quality.” While acknowledging Ranveer’s ability to take on serious roles, Khanna firmly believed that the Gully Boy actor is not suited for the iconic superhero.
The Nude Photoshoot Controversy
Khanna’s disapproval of Ranveer Singh extends beyond his acting. He cited Ranveer’s controversial nude photoshoot as a turning point in his aversion to casting him as Shaktimaan. According to Khanna, the actor initially denied the authenticity of the photos, claiming he was wearing underwear and blaming his promotional team. However, Khanna later recalled Ranveer publicly stating that he was comfortable with the shoot.
“I remember thinking, ‘You may be comfortable, but we aren’t.’ His wife also said she was comfortable with it, but any normal wife would object. Don’t be so advanced,” Khanna remarked. His remarks underline his discontent with how actors like Ranveer push the boundaries of societal norms, especially when representing characters like Shaktimaan, who symbolize traditional values.
Mukesh Khanna: Akshay Kumar Is Choosing Wrong Films
Khanna did not limit his criticism to Ranveer. He also shared his thoughts on Akshay Kumar, with whom he worked in the early 90s film Saugandh. Praising Akshay’s dedication and fitness, Khanna recalled, “During Saugandh, Akshay was training every morning at 6 am. He’s one of the fittest men in the industry and has come a long way from his days as a street fighter and chef in Indonesia.”
However, Khanna also criticized Akshay for his recent choices of films, which have not performed well at the box office. “Akshay has built an image as a fighter and comedian, but lately, he’s picking the wrong films. I even sent him a message about it,” Khanna shared, pointing to Akshay’s film Samrat Prithviraj as an example. “He didn’t work on his body language, and in the film, it looked like Akshay Kumar playing Prithviraj Chauhan, not the historical figure himself.”
Akshay Kumar Also Not Fit for Shaktimaan
Despite Akshay Kumar’s impressive career, Mukesh Khanna dismissed the idea that Akshay could step into the shoes of Shaktimaan. Drawing comparisons to Akshay’s portrayal of Prithviraj Chauhan, Khanna explained that casting a star like Akshay in such a role often becomes about the actor’s persona rather than the character. In his view, Shaktimaan requires a deeper transformation, both in physicality and spirit, which Akshay failed to display in Samrat Prithviraj.
A Long History of Comparisons with Amitabh Bachchan
During the same interview, Mukesh Khanna opened up about the comparisons he faced with megastar Amitabh Bachchan throughout his career. He admitted that his resemblance to Bachchan’s voice and features often led to accusations of mimicry, especially after he dubbed for an advertisement in Bachchan’s voice. Khanna acknowledged that these comparisons, while flattering, affected his career trajectory. “It was both a boon and a curse to be compared to Amitabh Bachchan. People expect certain things from you, and that can be limiting.”
Conclusion
In his interview, Mukesh Khanna made it clear that for him, the role of Shaktimaan requires a certain level of innocence, dedication, and transformation currently lacking in Bollywood’s top stars. While he recognizes the talents of actors like Ranveer Singh and Akshay Kumar, he believes neither is suitable for the role that he immortalized. His sharp criticism, especially regarding the choices and actions of contemporary actors, reflects his desire to maintain the integrity of a beloved Indian superhero.
