'Shaktimaan' to return on television; Mukesh Khanna to reprise his role

One of 1990s' popular cult shows "Shaktimaan" is likely to return to the small screen. Mukesh Khanna, who played the role of Shaktimaan, was undoubtedly the most loved Indian superhero of all times.

According to the Times of India, Mukesh is willing to recreate the same magic once again and is in talks with a few channels. The veteran actor is hopeful to seal the deal with one of the channels at the earliest. Interestingly, the 57-year-old actor has also been working on his look and physique, so as to fit into the character he had portrayed 15 years ago.

"We are planning the return of Shaktimaan on television and the discussions are going on with few channels. I can't committ the date but you will get to see it soon. I am working on my look and body for it. I have already lost 8 kgs and will be losing another 8 kilos. I am not trying to get six pack abs. I want to try and match up with the look that I had 15 years back [sic]," the actor told the daily.

Mukesh also said that since people relate to him as Shaktimaan, it would be unfair to them if anybody else steps into his shoes. "People relate to me as Shaktimaan and I can't offer the role to anyone," said the actor," he said.

Talking about not roping in any young actor for the role, the veteran actor said: "I was very young when I played the role of Bhishmapitama in Mahabharat. I feel an actor can't be restricted due to age. I feel age is just a number. It depends on how you look and if you will be able to pull off the character with full conviction." 

"Shaktimaan" was about a superhero, who saved the lives of people from all evils, and his alter ego Pandit Gangadhar Vidyadhar Mayadhar Omkarnath Shastri, a photo journalist by profession. The series aired on Doordarshan and had Vaishnavi Mahant as reporter Geeta Vishwas and Surendra Pal as Tamraj Kilvish in key roles.

Besides "Shaktimaan," another 1990s hit show "Hip Hip Hurray" is all set to return to the small screen with a new season. Zee TV, which used to air the show earlier, will recreate the same magic on television with new faces. It was reported that the new season will deal with issues like parent-child relationship, teenage love, sexuality and more. Rohan Shah plays one of the lead characters and the new cast has already started shooting for the show.