Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, known for portraying India's iconic superhero 'Shaktimaan', has clarified recent comments surrounding his role and the much-anticipated return of the character. 

In a post shared on X on Thursday, Khanna emphasized, "Without me, there can’t be another Shaktimaan," addressing misconceptions sparked by the teaser of the character’s comeback.

Khanna, whose portrayal of 'Shaktimaan' in the 1990s made him a household name, expressed his deep connection to the role. The actor had earlier shared a teaser for the 'Shaktimaan' reboot, showing the superhero flying and performing a patriotic song, which sparked a mix of excitement and criticism from fans. The teaser featured 'Shaktimaan' singing about freedom while honouring Indian independence fighters, including Bhagat Singh and Subhash Chandra Bose. 

However, the announcement was met with backlash, with many mocking the actor and questioning the decision to reboot the beloved series. Some fans even urged Khanna to drop the idea of reviving the character, leading to a wave of confusion about his role in the new version of 'Shaktimaan'.

In response to the criticism, Khanna issued a statement to clarify his position. He explained that he was not claiming to be "the next 'Shaktimaan',” but was instead reprising his role as the original character to pass on important messages to today’s generation. 

“I am already Shaktimaan. There would only be another Shaktimaan when there is a Shaktimaan—and I am that Shaktimaan. Without me, there cannot be another Shaktimaan, because it is my legacy to create and carry forward," he wrote in X.  

Khanna also addressed comparisons to potential future actors who might take on the role, including Bollywood star Ranveer Singh, who was rumoured to be a part of the project. “I’m not here to prove I am better than anyone else who will wear the mantle of Shaktimaan. I came as the older Shaktimaan to pass on messages to today’s youth because I believe that the original Shaktimaan has a ready-made audience from the last 27 years,” he added.

The actor further explained that his return was motivated by a desire to address the current state of society, particularly the rise of "darkness and evil" influencing today’s children. “In Shaktimaan’s language, it can be said—‘Andhera kaayam ho raha hai’ (Darkness is prevailing). The need for this message is urgent,” Khanna stated.

As for the new Shaktimaan, Khanna assured fans that a fresh actor would eventually take on the role, but the search for the right person is still ongoing. “Rest assured, a new Shaktimaan will come. Who will he be? I can’t say because I don’t know yet. The hunt is still on,” he concluded.