Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, famously known for portraying the iconic Indian superhero Shaktimaan, recently shared his views on the possibility of actor Tiger Shroff succeeding him as the next Shaktimaan. While speaking in an interview, Mukesh Khanna expressed skepticism about Tiger Shroff’s suitability for the role, emphasizing his perceived lack of maturity and gravity required to portray the revered character convincingly.
Mukesh Khanna stated, “Forgive me, but if Tiger Shroff tells a child to flush the toilet as Shaktimaan, the kid will turn around and say to him, ‘Tu baith jaa (Sit down).’” He elaborated that Tiger Shroff’s current image is that of a youthful figure among children, which he believes does not align with the gravity necessary for the Shaktimaan role. According to Mukesh Khanna, the character of Shaktimaan holds a significant level of seriousness, wisdom, and maturity which makes it different from other superheroes.
He further distinguished Shaktimaan from other global superheroes like Iron Man and Superman, noting, “Shaktimaan isn’t a brainless brawler. He has a seriousness, he is wise. He is an evolved person, for God’s sake. He is not an ordinary Arnold Schwarzenegger, nor does he have a suit like Iron Man, nor has he flown in from Krypton like Superman.” Instead, Shaktimaan’s powers are derived from a symbolic and spiritual connection to the five elements, making the character both unique and deeply resonant.
Interestingly, Tiger Shroff has previously played a superhero in A Flying Jatt, a fact that highlights his experience within the genre but, in Khanna’s view, still falls short of embodying the depth needed for Shaktimaan’s portrayal.
