Akshay Kumar downplays romancing Wamiqa Gabbi, 32, in Bhooth Bangla, Priyadarshan says 'actor's screen age is different'Apart from Akshay Kumar, Bhoot Bangla director Priyadarshan also addressed the age-gap, emphasising that he sees no issue with it. Mar 25, 2026
CoinDCX promoters Sumit Gupta and Neeraj Khandelwal, arrested in a ₹71.6 lakh fraud case, were granted bail by a Thane court. The duo was accused of cheating an insurance advisor with false cryptocurrency investment and franchise promises. Their defense argued mistaken identity
Jewar Airport latest update: IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India Express confirm flight operations, expected routes, and launch timeline for Noida International Airport. The upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar is set to emerge as a major aviation hub for North India
Energy-related infrastructure in Iran’s Isfahan province and the southwestern city of Khorramshahr has been struck, according to Iran’s semiofficial Fars news agency. The reported attacks come a day after US President Donald Trump announced a pause by extending his deadline for Iran to halt
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is set to get underway on March 28 with defending champions Royal Challengers Begaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. With a fresh stack of players across all 10 franchise following the mini-auction process from last
For millions who grew up in the '90s, Shaktimaan was more than just a TV show – it was the ultimate superhero moment of childhood. But the much-anticipated big-screen revival has run into trouble. Mukesh Khanna, the original Shaktimaan, says the planned film trilogy has been halted over “technical grounds" and disagreements about casting.
Ranveer Singh Spent 3 Hours Chasing Shaktimaan Role, Says Mukesh Khanna: 'Itna Interested Tha…'
For millions who grew up in the '90s, Shaktimaan was more than just a TV show – it was the ultimate superhero moment of childhood. But the much-anticipated big-screen revival has run into trouble. Mukesh Khanna, the original Shaktimaan, says the planned film trilogy has been halted over “technical grounds" and disagreements about casting.
Speaking to Galatta India, Khanna explained that while Sony International holds the film rights for seven years, he made sure the character's principles stay untouched. “The IPR is still mine. But, we have given them rights for seven years to make a film. Maine likhva dia hai ki film mein Shaktiman ki aatma change nahi hogi. They have written that we won't change Shaktiman's values."
However, the veteran actor revealed he has no binding say in who plays the lead. “I couldn't get it in written that the actor would be cast with my permission. They have a point now ki hum aapse poochenge zaroor, lekin final call humaari hogi. Yahin mein atak gaya."
Mukesh Khanna was clear he would not accept changes that misrepresent the character. “If Shaktimaan is dancing in a disco and I say that I don't like it, you would still do what you want. Then what's the point of asking me?"
Shaktimaan Movie Stuck At Casting
The movie's pre-production remains paused, and the issue is stuck on casting. “Either you change the clause or ask. Without asking me, you can't deflect from Shaktimaan. Abhi toh casting mein atak gaya hai maamla, poori film banaani bachi hai. Everything is stuck on technical grounds. Public is still waiting eagerly for the announcement."
The project is ambitious – three films, each with a Rs 150–200 crore budget. Khanna says he won't compromise. “Aap ram ke role mein raavana dikhne wale ko nahi daal sakte. Shaktimaan ki zarurat hai aaj ke bachon ko. Even I don't know when he will come."
Ranveer Singh meeting didn't change his mind
Rumours mills have been abuzz about Ranveer Singh playing Shaktimaan. Mukesh Khanna recalled, “Ranveer came to my office, sat with me for three hours. Very nice meeting, very nice actor and human being. Itna interested tha ki teen ghante tak convince karne ki koshish ki. Ultimately, I always felt that he can't be cast in Shaktimaan's role. I am still rigid on that point."
Mukesh Khanna even says he's ready for a legal fight if needed. “It's a war now. If you won't listen to me, then go and make Shaktimaan without me. I will fight till I can fight. I will take them to court if required. Main Shaktimaan ke gaane aur music release nahi kar sakta, because I sold them to someone by mistake."
About Shaktimaan On Doordarshan
Shaktimaan was India's first big superhero TV show, aired on Doordarshan from 1997 to 2005. Created and played by Mukesh Khanna, it told the story of Pandit Gangadhar, a kind photographer who gained special powers through deep meditation and his link to the five natural elements. He used these powers to become Shaktimaan, fighting the evil Tamraj Kilvish while keeping his real identity secret. With almost 450 episodes, the show became hugely popular with kids for its action and moral lessons.
Check latest Bollywood news updates, events and award shows, upcoming hindi movies releases, exclusive interviews, box office collections, reviews, trailers, and more. Download the News18 App.
Source: News18
Related Posts: After Shaktimaan row How Google lets users turn dandiya photos into 90s-style portrait Princess Diana 90s time capsule contains Kylie CD and pocket TV Somy Ali names 3 most breathtakingly beautiful actresses from the 90s Famous 90s Actress Guddi Maruti Recalls Her Kissing Scene With Akshay Kumar Online bus bookings grew 25% in 2025 Musician born to Canadian mom and Italian dad shares how she grew up in India Techie Shares How His Salary Grew From Rs 10 LPA To Rs 40 LPA In Just 2 Years China economy grew below 3% in 2025 UK economy grew by 0
A Delhi court on Tuesday sentenced Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment, PTI reported. Andrabi, alleged to be the founder and chief of the banned all-women separatist group Dukhtaraan-e-Millat, and two of her associates had been convicted under the Unlawful Activities
1 days ago
Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has sparked fresh buzz after viewers realised that the character Pinda is inspired by real-life drug dealer and militant Rinda. This detail is now being widely discussed as fans connect the film’s story with real events
1 days ago
IndiGo warns of demand hit as Iran war drives up flight ticket pricesIndiGo's warnings come even as an escalating Iran war continues to rattle global crude oil markets and complicates flight paths. Published on: Mar 24, 2026 5:13 PM IST By HT Business Desk Share via Copy link IndiGo has warned that
1 days ago
Losing stubborn belly fat isn’t just about cutting calories, but it’s about choosing the right kind of movement. The fat stored around your abdomen, especially visceral fat, is closely linked to metabolism and overall health. The good news is that you don’t need hours in the gym
1 days ago
And so the long goodbye begins for the 'Egyptian King' - undoubtedly, one of the greatest footballers the Premier League has ever seen. Mohamed Salah has worn the Liverpool shirt 435 times across all competitions. At most, he will get the opportunity up to 15 more times between now and the end of
1 days ago
At his factory in Visakhapatnam, Sanjeev Relhan produces surgical gowns and protective gear that doctors and nurses routinely use in hospitals while handling an infectious patient or for a surgery. Usually, Relhan sells gowns to hospitals for Rs 80 a piece. In the last few days
1 days ago
Kerala Police asks X to remove posts related to ECI document with BJP sealKerala Police on Tuesday issued notices to social media users and asked platform X to remove posts related to an Election Commission of India (ECI) document that carried the seal of the BJP Published on: Mar 25
1 days ago
JICA is eager to partner with India on semiconductor and new energy initiatives. The agency plans to invest JPY 275 billion this year, a significant increase from last year's JPY 191 billion. JICA's chief representative, Takeuchi Takuro, highlighted semiconductor manufacturing and biogas as key
1 days ago
One minute, he’s catching heat for a quiet cameo in the Madrid derby. And the next, he’s at the centre of a bizarre controversy that’s got France and Spain pointing fingers — and Real Madrid sweating. Mbappe’s substitute appearance against Atletico Madrid didn’t exactly wow anyone
1 days ago
Premier League’s edge blunted as La Liga continues to dictate tempo and control in Champions League Updated on: Mar 25, 2026 6:08 AM IST By Aditya Maheshwari Share via Copy link Premier League may be the most competitive, but La Liga’s technical edge outclasses it in the UEFA Champions League
1 days ago
Once operational, will Jewar International Airport in Noida, likely to be inaugurated on March 28, be India’s largest airport? There is understandable confusion around this claim. But the short answer is — not yet. But it could be India’s largest airport in the future
1 days ago
If you cancel between 24 hours and 8 hours before the journey, 50% of your ticket fare will be cut, along with the minimum applicable charge. The Indian Railways has made some major changes to its ticket cancellation fee. From now on, if you cancel your ticket between 24 to 72 hours before the
1 days ago
Globally, tuberculosis remains the leading cause of death and according to the World Health Organization, over 10.7 million people fell ill with TB in 2024, with more than 1.25 million deaths recorded globally. Despite decades of medical advances
1 days ago
A tarot reader predicts financial growth for these 5 zodiac signs before March 2026 ends. Here’s whyMarch 2026 Horoscope: According to a tarot reader, Manisha Koushik, a few zodiac signs may experience financial progress before the month ends. Published on: Mar 25
1 days ago
From April 1, 2026, filing your income tax return (ITR) is set to undergo a significant transformation. With the new Income-tax Rules, 2026 coming into effect, the government is not just tweaking forms—it is reshaping how income, tax and deductions are reported across the system.From April 1
1 days ago
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has decided to withdraw the temporary fare caps on domestic airfares starting today (March 23). New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has decided to withdraw the temporary fare caps on domestic airfares starting today (March 23)
1 days ago
22-year-old UK woman lands job in Bengaluru, asks if relocating to India is safeThe woman shared that she is also worried about feeling lonely in a new country if she decides to move from the UK to India. Published on: Mar 25, 2026 6:10 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link A 22-year-old
1 days ago
The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed by voice vote the 2026 Transgender Persons Protection of Rights Amendment Bill. The bill will now be moved to the Rajya Sabha. If cleared by the Upper House of Parliament, it will be sent for presidential assent. Introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 13
1 days ago
Opposition parties are carefully responding to a government proposal to speed up the Women's Reservation Act. They are not opposing it directly but are requesting an all-party meeting. This meeting is proposed to take place after the upcoming assembly elections conclude
1 days ago
Apex court issued broad directions to correct past injustices and to guarantee equal opportunities in the future. In a landmark judgment stregthening gender equality in the armed forces, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that women Short Service Commission (SSC) officers are entitled to Permanent
1 days ago
HDFC Bank has appointed domestic law firms Wadia Ghandy and Trilegal, along with a leading US-based firm, to review the circumstances surrounding former chairman Atanu Chakraborty’s abrupt resignation, according to a report by The Economic Times (ET), citing people familiar with the matter
1 days ago
Singer-rapper Badshah has reportedly tied the knot with Punjabi actress and model Isha Rikhi. Recently, Isha’s mother, Poonam, took to her Instagram handle and shared a series of pictures which suggest that the two are now married. In the photos
1 days ago
Malaika Arora, in a recent interview, mentioned that she is a massive fan of two Thai dishes. She spoke about her love for green Thai curry rice and mango sticky rice and went on to share how she makes these dishes at home. Green Thai curry or Gaeng Khiao Wan is a fragrant coconut milk-based dish
1 days ago
Delays in visa appointment scheduling are affecting not only H-1B visa holders but also H-4 dependents, L-1/L-2 employees, and F-1 students. After arriving in India in December, holders with H-1B visas are now ‘stranded in their home country’
1 days ago
Thousands of Malayalees return home from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other Gulf states during election seasons to exercise their franchise. Expatriate groups even arrange chartered flights for their members to travel. This year this crowd would have been bigger
1 days ago
Nandini, the dairy brand of Karnataka Milk Federation, will be the Official Dairy Partner for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2026 IPL season. This partnership unites two prominent Karnataka-based brands. The collaboration aims to connect with passionate RCB fans
1 days ago
On March 19, Ras Laffan, the largest liquified natural gas terminal in the world, supplying one-fifth of the world’s super-chilled fuel, was hit by Iranian missiles and drones. The Qatari terminal suffered substantial damage in the strikes – fires were raging across the gas-to-liquids facility
1 days ago
