Before Iron Man, Spider-Man, or Batman became household names in India, one superhero ruled the hearts of millions — Shaktimaan. Mukesh Khanna, the actor who portrayed the iconic Indian superhero, has teased the character’s much-awaited return, stirring a wave of nostalgia and excitement among fans. On Sunday, Khanna shared a teaser on social media, hinting at the superhero’s comeback, delighting fans who have eagerly awaited this announcement.
Mukesh Khanna Hints at Shaktimaan’s Revival
Khanna took to Instagram on Saturday, posting a picture along with a video clip featuring Shaktimaan. The clip opens with the text, “As Darkness & Evil Prevails Over Children of Today, Bheeshm International Brings Back India’s First Super Teacher Super Hero.” The video then shows Mukesh Khanna dressed as Shaktimaan, landing in a school courtyard.
In the clip, Shaktimaan sings a patriotic song, “Aazadi ke deewanon ne jung ladhi phir jaanein di, ang ang kat gaye magar anch watan par na ane di…” while looking at images of Indian freedom fighters like Chandrasekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, and Subhash Chandra Bose. Sharing the video, Khanna wrote, “It’s Time For HIM to RETURN. Our First Indian SUPER TEACHER-SUPER HERO. YES! As Darkness And Evil prevails over Children of Today… It’s time for him to return. He returns with a Message. He returns with a Teaching. For today’s generation. Welcome Him. With both hands.”
The announcement of Shaktimaan’s return was met with widespread enthusiasm on social media, as fans expressed their excitement and nostalgia. One user commented, “I have missed school many times to see this,” while another simply said, “Mere Shaktimaan.” Many users shared their childhood memories, with one writing, “You’re my childhood hero,” and another exclaiming, “Very much excited sir, and lots of good wishes.”
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“So excited to watch, sir,” shared a fan, while another wrote, “Watching your serials made my childhood memorable.” Comments like “Waiting sir… Most powerful 1st superhero,” and “Welcome back sir, big fan of yours, very much excited,” reflected the widespread anticipation for Shaktimaan’s comeback.
A Beloved Superhero from the 90s
Shaktimaan originally aired on Doordarshan in 1997 and became one of the most beloved TV series of the era. Starring Mukesh Khanna in the titular role, the show also featured an ensemble cast including Kitu Gidwani, Vaishnavi, Surendra Pal, and Tom Alter. The series enjoyed immense popularity, running for nearly eight years with over 450 episodes.
The story of Shaktimaan revolves around a superhuman character endowed with mystical and supernatural powers. Tasked by a group of saints, Shaktimaan’s mission was to fight against evil and bring justice to the world, making him a role model for children and a cultural icon in Indian television history.
In an earlier interview, Khanna had revealed that a big-budget Shaktimaan film is also in the pipeline, with a planned budget of ₹200-300 crore. “The contract has been signed,” he confirmed, indicating that the superhero’s return could span both television and cinema, marking a grand revival of the beloved character.
Fans across generations are eagerly looking forward to the return of India’s first superhero, with social media buzzing with messages like “The most awaited comeback!” and “Can’t wait to see Shaktimaan back in action.”