Mukesh Khanna refuses YRF's bid for Shaktimaan rights after a decade

In a recent update, Mukesh Khanna, the iconic actor known for portraying Shaktimaan in the late 1990s and early 2000s, has shared insight into a previous overture made by Yash Raj Films. Khanna revealed that roughly ten years ago, he was approached by Aditya Chopra's team to acquire the rights to his beloved character Shaktimaan. This inquiry came at a time when a fan-made image of Ranveer Singh as Shaktimaan began circulating on social media. Khanna was quick to reject their offer, expressing his desire to retain the character for future projects. During a discussion on his YouTube channel with Siddharth Kannan, Khanna recounted how he felt about the potential commercialization of Shaktimaan's rights. He emphasized that he didn’t want the rights to simply fall into hands that might produce an inferior version of the superhero, likening it to the production of a 'disco drama.' Instead, Khanna extended an invitation to Yash Raj Films, stating that if they wished to create a new project, they should consider working alongside him to ensure the essence of Shaktimaan was preserved. Moreover, Khanna has expressed plans to revive the Shaktimaan franchise for a new generation. He recently mentioned that he found Allu Arjun, a prominent Telugu actor, suitable for the Shaktimaan character, stating his belief that Arjun possesses the potential to embody the superhero. Khanna has once again embraced the role of Shaktimaan and is eager to share it with today's audience, as he feels a personal connection to the character that has been a significant part of his career and identity since its inception in 1997. As he prepares for this revival, Khanna is keen on ensuring that the character resonates with contemporary audiences, emphasizing the importance of instilling a sense of grounding among the youth and steering them away from mindless distractions. He has reiterated that acting is an almost instinctual calling for him and that returning to the role of Shaktimaan is not just a professional commitment but a deep-rooted personal passion that he feels compelled to fulfill.