Mukesh Khanna revives 'Shaktimaan' as an audio series
What's the story
The iconic Indian superhero, Shaktimaan, is back in a new avatar. Pocket FM has launched an exclusive 40-episode audio series titled Shaktimaan Returns, with Mukesh Khanna, the OG actor, reprising his role. The original show aired on DD National from September 13, 1997, to March 27, 2005. The 40 episodes are between 15 and 21 minutes in length.
Actor's statement
Khanna on revival of 'Shaktimaan'
Speaking about the revival, Khanna told IANS that the show was created to "inspire truth, selflessness, and courage in young minds." "These values are timeless. When Pocket FM approached me, I was curious to see how those ideals would come alive through audio." "But the way they've reimagined it with a fresh storyline while preserving the soul of Shaktimaan truly moved me."
New voice
Audio series also promoted through vintage Bollywood villains
Khanna added that he was happy to see Shaktimaan's essence alive. He said, "The show speaks to a new generation in a new voice." The audio series has also been celebrated with a humorous brand film featuring '90s Bollywood villains such as Gulshan Grover, Ranjeet, Shehzad Khan, Shahbaz Khan, and Surendra Pal. They are all seen in panic mode after learning about Shaktimaan's return.
Show details
Everything to know about original 'Shaktimaan' series
In the original Shaktimaan series, Khanna played both the titular superhero and his alter ego Pandit Gangadhar Vidhyadhar Mayadhar Omkarnath Shastri. The character was a photographer for the newspaper Aaj Ki Aawaz who gained superhuman powers through meditation. The show also starred Kitu Gidwani (later replaced by Vaishnavi Mahant) as Geeta Vishwas, a reporter in love with Shaktimaan. Pal played Tamraj Kilvish.