India’s First Superhero Shaktimaan Makes a Comeback After 19 Years

The wait for India's first superhero, Shaktimaan, is finally over. Recently, Mukesh Khanna held a press conference where he shared exciting details about the iconic show’s return. Shaktimaan, who ruled the hearts of 90s kids, is back with a new mission— to inspire today’s youth and show them a new path. During the press conference, Mukesh Khanna addressed several key topics, including the current education system, the role of media, and much more. Let’s take a look at what he had to say.

The Superhero Speaks Out

Mukesh Khanna, who portrayed Shaktimaan, emphasized the importance of this new generation learning more than ever before. "Today’s generation needs to learn ten times more than kids in 1997," he said. "Today’s kids are running ahead, and I am here to show them a glimpse of India, something that parents and teachers might not be able to. I am not bringing back Shaktimaan as just a superhero; I am bringing Shaktimaan as a Super Teacher, who will teach kids what they need to know."

He also mentioned that a Shaktimaan film is in the works, which will feature plenty of action and fighting sequences. "For 30 years, I have been taking care of children. From 1997 to 2005, we created small yet significant things. But after that, there was a 19-year gap, and now, we are bringing something new to the table," Mukesh Khanna added.

Shaktimaan’s Revolutionary Message

Mukesh Khanna shared how the new Shaktimaan series aims to educate children on history and values. “Today, 8 out of 10 kids don’t know about historical figures like Ashfaq Ulla Khan, Birsa Munda, or Turum Khan. Many don’t even know that Turum Khan was a revolutionary from Hyderabad,” he said. To bring these important figures to the forefront, the new series will feature a song that highlights Indian revolutionaries. Mukesh Khanna elaborated, “At first, we thought of presenting it through a puzzle format, but then I decided to sing the song and incorporate Shaktimaan’s iconic costume. That’s how we decided to approach it."

"I Have Earned My Goodwill" – Mukesh Khanna

When asked about the Padma Shri award, Mukesh Khanna humbly responded, "I don’t believe in titles. I’ve earned goodwill over the years. The goodwill I have today is something no actor today possesses. It’s not arrogance; it’s something I’ve built with my hard work. As for the Padma Shri, it should go to those who truly deserve it."

Revamping Education: A Call for Change

Mukesh Khanna also shared his thoughts on the education system. He advocated for introducing Sanskrit and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to children starting from Class 6. “We need to give children knowledge, like we did in the Gurukul system. Whether you do it in a classroom or at home, teach them the values of our culture and the heroic stories of people like Rani Lakshmibai,” he suggested. Mukesh also emphasized that the current education system needs to be completely revamped to reflect the values of our past.

A Message to Social Media Addicts

Mukesh Khanna also expressed concern over the increasing influence of social media on today's youth. “Right now, you are all living in an artificial world through social media. You need to come back to the physical world,” he urged. He pointed out how kids today spend most of their time on their phones, missing out on real-life experiences. “Earlier, we used to play outdoor games that made us step outside and get some sunlight. Today, people waste time on phones unnecessarily.”

Why Haven't We Had Another Shaktimaan?

Responding to a question about why there hasn't been another superhero like Shaktimaan, Mukesh Khanna explained, “We created Aryamaan, but before that, no one thought of making a superhero. There was Junior G before that, but no one took superhero shows seriously until Shaktimaan came along."

He also addressed the idea of what kind of physique Shaktimaan should have. “True strength doesn’t lie in muscle power; it lies in inner strength. Shaktimaan doesn’t need to have a muscular body. Shaktimaan’s strength is in his inner power and confidence," Mukesh said.

When asked about Ranveer Singh potentially playing Shaktimaan, Mukesh Khanna shared, “I didn’t keep him waiting. I had a great meeting with him, and I feel Shaktimaan’s character depends on the actor's personality, not just his physique. No one actor fits the bill perfectly.”

A New Song and New Beginnings

Choreographer Pappu Khanna, who is also working on the new Shaktimaan project, said, “I feel lucky to be working with Mukesh Sir again. We’ve worked together before, and his input has helped us do something unique with this new song.” The director of the song added, “I have been a fan of Shaktimaan since my childhood, and I am fortunate that Mukesh Sir chose me for this project. If even one child learns something from this song, it will be a big achievement for us."

Pappu Khanna further explained why the song was created, saying, "I am so happy to be working on Shaktimaan again. This song was made because today’s kids need this kind of content more than ever. I didn’t expect it to become this popular, but I’m glad it’s resonating with so many people. This song is just the first part of a bigger plan — we are making four more parts."

The Return of India’s First Superhero

Shaktimaan first aired in 1997 on Doordarshan, with Mukesh Khanna playing the titular role. Alongside him, the show featured talented actors like Vaishnavi, Kitu Gidwani, Surendra Pal, and Tom Alter. The show ran for nearly eight years and became a cultural phenomenon, earning the title of India’s first superhero. Now, after nearly two decades, Shaktimaan is set to return to TV, with a new focus on inspiring the youth of today, while also reconnecting them with India’s rich history and culture.

By Priyanka Yadav

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