Shaktiman casting row: Actor Lalit Parimoo reacts to Mukesh Khanna rejecting Ranveer

Lalit Parimoo has reacted to Mukesh Khanna's continued opposition to Ranveer Singh playing Shaktimaan. He said that publicity-driven narratives are common in the entertainment industry.

In Short

• Lalit Parimoo suggested Shaktimaan casting debate is publicity-driven
• Parimoo praised Ranveer Singh's acting skills in Dhurandhar
• He doubts the film can match original TV show's emotional impact

The ongoing debate over the proposed Shaktimaan film has found another voice, with actor Lalit Parimoo weighing in on Mukesh Khanna's objections to Ranveer Singh potentially stepping into the superhero's shoes. Parimoo, who played the role of Dr Jaikaal in the iconic series, hinted that the controversy may also have a publicity angle, adding that "today's world is driven by publicity."

In a conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Parimoo refrained from commenting extensively on the issue but said that the entertainment industry often relies on publicity gimmicks to generate headlines.

“Aaj ka zamana publicity ka zamana hai aur log karte hain publicity gimmicks filmon ke liye, tv show pe karte hain. Jaan booj ke news banane ke liye kuch karna padta hai (Today's world is driven by publicity, and people often resort to publicity gimmicks for films and television shows. Sometimes, they deliberately do things to generate news and attract attention).”

Parimoo also said that the truth is known only to those involved and that time will eventually reveal what actually happened. At the same time, he praised Ranveer Singh’s performance in Dhurandhar and said the actor has the ability to play Shaktimaan.

However, the actor expressed doubts about whether a film adaptation could recreate the impact of the original TV series. He pointed out that the show’s 350-episode legacy gave it emotional depth and familiarity that may be hard to replicate in a two or three-hour film.

“I don't think Shaktimaan film would have the same magic as the TV show. There's so much material that has already gone into those 350 episodes. But we don't know about the audience's preference. If today's generation sees a superhero movie, they will expect only an international standard. Below that, they won't like it. If we don't make it on a technologically high level, it won't have the same impact.”

Why Mukesh Khanna is rejecting Ranveer Singh?

Mukesh Khanna, meanwhile, has repeatedly said that he does not want Ranveer Singh to portray Shaktimaan. In an earlier interview with Bollywood Thikana, he claimed the actor personally met him to discuss the role.

“That poor guy (Ranveer Singh) was sitting in front of me for three hours. But it doesn't reflect on his face, what it needs to play Shaktimaan. He looks fickle, as if he will con somebody. But he is a terrific actor.”

Despite acknowledging Ranveer’s talent, Khanna has maintained that the actor would be better suited for a villain’s role than for the iconic superhero.

Sony Pictures had announced the Shaktimaan film trilogy in 2022, aiming to revive India’s beloved superhero for the big screen. Since then, the project has remained the subject of constant speculation, especially around casting and creative direction.

- Ends