Mukesh Khanna on making Shaktimaan for Gen Z: ‘I will show mobile phone as villain in the first episode’

Q. You’ve also witnessed the industry change significantly. What stands out to you?

Mukesh Khanna: The industry has changed drastically. Earlier, scripts came first, and then actors were cast. Today, once you get a big star, the script is written around them. Back then, there was more honesty in storytelling. For example, Zanjeer went to seven actors before Amitabh Bachchan got it. These days, the stars are a little oriented, and the content is getting beaten up a little, which is very sad. I say so because it is always the script – whether it was Bhishma Pitamah in Mahabharat or Shaktimaan – and not Mukesh Khanna who made these popular. Somewhere, I feel that the value of writers, who should be paid more than the stars, has decreased.

Also, the atmosphere was different. Earlier, there was a family-like vibe. People would sit together and eat on the floor. Now it’s all vans and isolation. Groupism has also taken over. The focus has shifted, and that has affected the spirit of filmmaking.

Q. The one thing you miss the most from your heyday?

Mukesh Khanna: My heyday was in the 80s, and it continues. I was in Mahabharat in 1989, and in films before that. I’ve never been a downer. God has given me a lot of security. I was born in Mumbai, always had a roof over my head. I am BSE, LLB, and then studied at FTII. I am not overambitious. If I am good, the makers will call me. But I should also need them, it’s then that I enjoy working. I have lived according to my standards. I haven’t missed anything. However, I might have become a plastic engineer, if I hadn’t become an actor. But I didn’t get admission there, and chose acting.

 

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Q. Tell us about Vishwaguru, your debut in Gujarati cinema. What drew you to the project?

Mukesh Khanna: I usually don’t do regional films, barring a few in Punjabi and Marathi. If I don’t have command over a language, I don’t enjoy performing. I love delivering my own lines. My dialogues are good because I don’t throw them away, I don’t swallow them either. Even today, I remember 20–25 dialogues from Mahabharat.

When I was first approached for this film, I declined because I can’t speak Gujarati fluently. But when the director said my dialogues would be in Hindi, I agreed to hear the script. I found the role meaningful; it addresses the problems affecting our youth today. I play a bureau chief appointed by the government to tackle these issues. It’s a powerful film, and for a Gujarati production, the scale is commendable.

Q. Is this character different from what you’ve done before?

Mukesh Khanna: You can’t say it’s something out of the world. But I have used my personality to essay the part. I’m not one of those actors who completely get into the role, like Irrfan Khan or Nawazuddin Siddiqui. I am a dramatic actor, and use my body, language, and voice, and that was exactly what the role needed.

Q. What do you look for in a role? How important is personal resonance?

Mukesh Khanna: The most important thing is what I’m doing in the film. Not the money, not the producer. Once, I even turned down a Hollywood film because they wouldn’t tell me the story or my role. They just said, “Send us your portfolio.” I replied, “Send me the script first –– what am I doing?” That’s how I am.

I need to know what I will be doing in the film. I don’t care who’s big or famous in front of me. I’ve done three films with Dilip Sir, Rajkumar Sir. For me, what matters most is my role. That’s my criteria. That’s also why you see me in fewer films. In my entire career, I have done only 60 films.

Mukesh Khanna as Bhishma Pitamah in Mahabharat. (Express archive photo)

Q. You’re India’s original superhero. What makes Shaktimaan still relevant for Gen Z?

Mukesh Khanna: Shaktimaan is like Ramayana or Mahabharat — you cannot change its essence. I’ve spent the last four years working on the reboot with Sony International, and casting the new Shaktimaan is a crucial decision. He must look honest and pure.

People say, “The Avengers have come; increase Shaktimaan’s powers.” I say no. Shaktimaan’s powers come from his inner strength, not gadgets. Iron Man and Spider-Man are earthly creations. Shaktimaan is rooted in Indian values.

Yes, we will modernise the presentation – the look, the gadgets – but the soul of Shaktimaan will stay the same. If we bring it back today, it won’t compete with the Avengers. It will compete with the original Shaktimaan. Today’s kids need him more than ever. They’re lost in a digital world. If I were to make it today, I’d show the mobile phone as the villain in the very first episode. The threats have changed, but Shaktimaan’s values remain timeless.

Q. Being an actor is no easy feat. You are in constant limelight, everything you say becomes news. In such a scenario, how do you ensure to take care of your mental health, and how do you stay true to yourself?

Mukesh Khanna: I’ve never believed in achieving things by hook or crook. I waited eight years before Mahabharat made me a star. I had already acted in 15 films, some flopped, some didn’t. But I never chased fame or asked for work.

Maybe God gave me the strength to wait. I’ve always told people: “Give me an offer I can’t refuse.” That’s my version of the famous Marlon Brando line. I have rules — I won’t play a villain, I won’t shave my beard, I won’t do romantic scenes. Take me as I am, or don’t. That’s what keeps me mentally strong.

People often say, “Sir, you talk too much. No one will give you films.” And I reply, “Then I’ll make my own.” That’s the attitude I carry.

Q. Fitness is an important part of overall health. How do you take care of your physical health (diet, workouts etc)

Mukesh Khanna: I’m a strict vegetarian. I’ve never had even a sip of beer — never smoked, never tried a cigarette. It is not difficult for me to maintain discipline. I also practise yoga and strongly advocate for it. Forget everything else, do yoga, meditate, do pranayama. I’ve been doing this for over 20 years.

Yoga takes care of the body and the mind. And it’s the mind that creates restlessness. Control the mind, control your breath, and you’ll find balance. I truly believe that if you exercise in the morning, the day belongs to you. I live by that.

 

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Q. Is there a role you wish to essay on screen/any new age actor you wish to work with?

Mukesh Khanna: Honestly, I’ve never had such desires. I never idolised anyone. I didn’t dream of working with anyone. Yet, I played Dilip Kumar’s son. I did three films with Raj Kumar. Shah Rukh Khan once played my son. Karisma Kapoor and Akshay Kumar both debuted in films with me.

So no, there’s no particular ambition. What I wish is for people to feel the desire to work with me.