There's considerable buzz in Bollywood surrounding a potential remake of "Shaktimaan." Plans are underway to create a big-budget film based on this superhero, who captivated the hearts of children in the 1990s. However, the actor who will portray Shaktimaan remains undecided.
Entertainment: The 1990s saw the rise of a name that ruled the hearts of Indian television viewers, young and old – "Shaktimaan." But did you know that actor Mukesh Khanna faced significant financial struggles to create this cult show? Behind Shaktimaan's success lies a story of passion, belief, and dedication, interwoven with debt and risk.
Shaktimaan: A Show That Made History
Aired in 1997, the show quickly set new benchmarks for popularity. Children deeply connected with the line "Gangadhar hi Shaktimaan hai" (Gangadhar is Shaktimaan), and streets fell silent during its broadcast. But behind the superhero on screen was the extraordinary struggle of an ordinary man – Mukesh Khanna.
Mukesh Khanna revealed in an old interview that he lacked sufficient capital to create Shaktimaan. Initially, he borrowed 8 lakh rupees from a friend, who, in return, took a 50 percent stake in the show. This deal later made Mukesh uncomfortable, as he worked tirelessly on the show while receiving only half the profits.
Comments on Ranveer Singh and Discussion of the Film
Mukesh Khanna then made a bold decision. He borrowed 75 lakh rupees from renowned industrialist Ambu Murarka to retain complete control over the show. This risk is what made "Shaktimaan" entirely Mukesh Khanna's creation. He not only produced Shaktimaan but also played the character himself, bringing Gangadhar's innocence to life on screen.
Over the past few years, there have been attempts to bring "Shaktimaan" to the big screen. However, no concrete progress has been made on the film yet. When discussions about the film's hero began, the names of Ranveer Singh and Allu Arjun surfaced. However, Mukesh Khanna expressed displeasure with Ranveer Singh, stating that "Ranveer cannot become Shaktimaan." Conversely, he considered Telugu star Allu Arjun a suitable alternative.
Why Did Shaktimaan End?
Despite its immense popularity, "Shaktimaan" ended in 2005 due to budget constraints and financial difficulties. At one point, Mukesh Khanna received a fee of 7.80 lakh rupees per episode, which was later increased to 10 lakh rupees after 104 episodes. Later, the makers offered him 16 lakh rupees per episode, but the show's costs and financial pressures prevented it from continuing for much longer.
Although Shaktimaan is no longer on television, its legacy lives on in people's hearts. Children still read Shaktimaan comics, watch episodes on YouTube, and embrace messages like "Saty ka saath do" (Stand with truth).
