Renowned for his portrayal of the iconic superhero in the 1990s, Mukesh Khanna has sparked controversy with his staunch opposition to rumors suggesting that Ranveer Singh might assume the mantle of Shaktimaan on the silver screen. Khanna took to various social media platforms to express his vehement disapproval of the casting speculation, offering scathing critiques of Singh’s recent photo shoot and casting doubt upon his suitability for the esteemed role.

Expressing his reservations on Instagram, Khanna asserted that despite Singh’s widespread popularity, he fails to encapsulate the quintessence of Shaktimaan. He derided Singh’s recent revealing photo shoot as “juvenile” and incongruous with the character of Shaktimaan. Further elaborating on his stance in a subsequent YouTube video, Khanna advised Singh to seek roles in locales where nudity is more socially acceptable if he wishes to showcase his physique, suggesting countries like Finland or Spain.

The septuagenarian actor underscored the paramount importance of upholding ‘Indian values’ and cultural mores in the realm of entertainment. “If he believes he can outsmart us by baring his entire physique, then he should be shunned,” declared Khanna in his video statement.

Khanna accentuated the requisite attributes for an actor essaying the role of Shaktimaan, likening the character to a revered mentor and emphasizing, “Sarva Shaktimaan is God.” He emphasized the necessity for an actor possessing a commanding and dignified voice, prioritizing substance over mere stardom.

“I have conveyed to the producers that your competition does not lie with Spider-Man, Batman, or Captain Planet. Shaktimaan transcends the realm of mere superheroics; he also embodies the essence of a revered mentor. Thus, the actor who assumes the role must possess the gravitas to captivate audiences with his oratory prowess. While there may exist illustrious actors, their persona may overshadow the character,” asserted Khanna.

While refraining from advocating for specific actors for the role, Khanna alluded to the rigorous selection process requisite to discover the quintessential embodiment of Shaktimaan, underscoring the character’s significance as an emblem of fortitude and righteousness. Moreover, he underscored the primacy of substance over star power in the success of any cinematic endeavor, including a prospective adaptation of Shaktimaan, stating, “If Shaktimaan is to be resurrected, he must exude formidable strength, for he stands second only to Sarva Shaktimaan.”

Reports emerged last month regarding the commencement of filming for Shaktimaan in May 2025, with Ranveer purportedly assuming the titular role and director Basil Joseph at the helm.