Few television characters have enjoyed the kind of popularity that Shaktimaan did in the late 1990s and early 2000s. So when a big-screen adaptation of the iconic superhero was announced in 2022, it immediately generated excitement among fans. Ever since, rumours have linked Ranveer Singh to the lead role. However, original Shaktimaan actor Mukesh Khanna has repeatedly opposed the idea, even claiming that Ranveer once spent three hours trying to convince him to approve the casting.
Actor Lalit Parimoo, who starred alongside Mukesh in the beloved series, has weighed in on the matter and suggested that the discussion may be driven by publicity. In a chat with Siddharth Kannan, Lalit said, 'Today's world is driven by publicity, and people often resort to publicity gimmicks for films and television shows. Sometimes, they deliberately do things to generate news and attract attention. I think he's operating along those lines.'
Lalit further praised Ranveer's performance in Dhurandhar and shared that he can play the role of Shaktimaan. However, he added, 'I don't think Shaktimaan film would have the same magic as the TV show. There's so much material that has already gone into those 350 episodes. But we don't know about the audience's preference.'
Mukesh had to say about Ranveer Singh in an interview that Ranveer came to his office to convince him and said, 'That poor guy (Ranveer Singh) was sitting in front of me for three hours. But it doesn't reflect on his face, what it needs to play Shaktimaan. He looks fickle, as if he will con somebody. But he is a terrific actor.'
