Veteran actor says he turned down cheques worth crores rather than approve Ranveer Singh as the superhero, insisting principles outweigh profit.
Mukesh Khanna, who originally played Shaktimaan in the beloved 1990s Indian television series, has publicly detailed why he rejected Bollywood star Ranveer Singh for the lead role in the planned Shaktimaan film reboot. Speaking during a podcast conversation with host Subhojit Ghosh, Khanna admitted that his decision has cost him financially, describing his own stance as commercially foolish even as he defended it as necessary to preserve the character's legacy. The remarks, reported by Mashable India and corroborated by outlets including Hindustan Times and Aaj Tak, mark the latest chapter in a long-running public dispute over who should portray the iconic superhero on screen.
Khanna, who owns rights tied to the character's legacy, has been a vocal presence in discussions surrounding the reboot for years, repeatedly clashing with producers over creative control and casting decisions.
Khanna Reveals He Turned Down Cheques Worth Crores
During the podcast, Khanna disclosed that he had rejected substantial financial offers connected to Ranveer's potential casting as Shaktimaan. He said he had held back a cheque worth crores, not lakhs, and even halted a second cheque after initially accepting one, because he felt producers were not honoring his condition that the film be made only in consultation with him.
Quoted by Hindustan Times, Khanna stated, "Commercially, I am behaving like a stupid person." He acknowledged that colleagues had urged him to accept the money and fight over creative control later, but he refused, insisting that money does not come before principles. Separate reporting by Indian Express has quoted him saying he is "losing crores" by blocking Ranveer from becoming Shaktimaan, directly linking his financial sacrifice to his refusal to compromise on the character's portrayal.
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Why Ranveer Was Considered Unsuitable For The Hero's Role
Khanna's rejection did not stem from doubts about Ranveer's acting ability. According to multiple accounts, including from Times of India and Hindustan Times, Ranveer personally visited Khanna's office and spent roughly three hours trying to convince him he could play Shaktimaan, even performing how he would approach the character.
Despite this effort, Khanna has consistently maintained that Ranveer's face and public persona do not align with the calm, morally upright image he associates with Shaktimaan. He has described Ranveer's expression as mischievous or scheming, telling outlets including NDTV that the actor meant to play Shaktimaan needs a certain decency on his face, without mischief or scheming qualities. Khanna has also referenced Ranveer's real-life image, including a past nude photoshoot, as part of his reasoning that the actor's public persona clashes with the moral guide he believes Shaktimaan represents for children.
A Different Role: Villain Tamraj Kilvish
Rather than dismissing Ranveer entirely, Khanna has repeatedly suggested the actor would be far better suited to play the villain, Tamraj Kilvish, often spelled Kelvish or Kilvish in various reports. He has said directly to Ranveer, by his own account, that he could play Kilvish but not Shaktimaan.
Khanna has drawn comparisons between Ranveer's intense, dynamic energy and his acclaimed performance as the antagonist Alauddin Khilji in Padmaavat, arguing that this same quality would translate well to a villainous role in the Shaktimaan universe. Times of India reported Khanna's comment that Ranveer's energy would be better suited for the antagonist, a position he has echoed across several interviews, including remarks referencing Ranveer's more recent work in Dhurandhar 2.
Conflict With Producers And The Road Ahead
Khanna's financial sacrifices are tied to a broader disagreement with Sony and other producers involved in developing the Shaktimaan film. He has said he has a conflict with Sony over whether the studio would genuinely consult him on creative decisions, rather than simply proceeding with its own plans after offering token consultation.
As of the latest reporting, no casting change has been confirmed, and Ranveer Singh's direct response to Khanna's most recent comments about lost crores and commercial foolishness has not been prominently reported. Some commentators, including actor Lalit Parimoo who played Dr. Jackal in the original series, have questioned whether Khanna's repeated public statements also serve to keep the Shaktimaan project in the news. Khanna, however, continues to frame his position as principled rather than promotional, insisting he will not approve Ranveer for the title role regardless of the financial cost, while leaving open the possibility that the actor could still join the film as its antagonist.
