Mukesh Khanna Rejects Ranveer Singh as Shaktimaan, Says He’s Fit for Villain Tamraj Kilvish

Bollywood veteran Mukesh Khanna, the original face of Shaktimaan, has sparked a storm of controversy by openly rejecting the idea of Ranveer Singh playing the iconic superhero in the planned reboot. Instead, Khanna suggested that Ranveer would be far more suitable as the infamous villain, Tamraj Kilvish. His sharp remarks, which included references to the actor’s flamboyant image and public controversies, have left fans divided and the industry buzzing.

Khanna revealed that many people had approached him, warning against casting Ranveer as Shaktimaan, even going as far as calling him “nashedi” (drug addict) in casual conversation. While Khanna distanced himself from such harsh labeling, he made it clear that Ranveer’s over-the-top persona and high-energy style do not match the moral and grounded essence of Shaktimaan. However, he did acknowledge that Ranveer’s charisma and dramatic presence could be perfect for a darker, villainous character like Tamraj Kilvish.

The former superhero has been extremely protective about the legacy of Shaktimaan, which aired in the late 1990s and early 2000s and remains one of the most iconic shows in Indian television history. For Khanna, Shaktimaan is not just another role—it is a cultural symbol of honesty, discipline, and moral values. He fears that casting someone with a flashy public image could distort the very foundation of the character, turning it into a “disco drama” rather than a superhero with a message.

This isn’t the first time Khanna has commented on the speculation surrounding Ranveer Singh’s involvement. In earlier interviews, he clarified that while Ranveer had shown interest and passion for the project, Khanna never promised or confirmed him as the lead. In fact, the actor-producer has repeatedly stressed that the casting must respect the original’s intent and spirit, not just market appeal.

Khanna’s latest remarks have reignited debates over who controls the creative direction of reboots—should it be the original creators safeguarding authenticity, or modern filmmakers aiming to adapt stories for contemporary audiences? His stance reflects a growing tension in the entertainment industry between preserving legacy and embracing reinvention.

Supporters of Khanna applaud his no-compromise approach, believing that Shaktimaan must retain its moral backbone and not be swayed by celebrity culture. On the other hand, critics argue that his rejection of Ranveer feels outdated and dismissive of younger generations’ ability to reinterpret iconic characters in fresh ways.

By publicly stating that Ranveer could excel as Tamraj Kilvish but not as Shaktimaan, Khanna has thrown the ball into the court of the filmmakers and fans. This statement also sends a clear message that he will fiercely guard the superhero’s image from what he perceives as misrepresentation.

As the Shaktimaan reboot inches forward, one thing is certain: Mukesh Khanna’s strong opinions will continue to influence the project’s trajectory. Whether the makers stick to his vision or take a risk with a bold casting choice will determine if the revival becomes a respectful homage or a divisive reinvention.