In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Doordarshan brought Indian children something they had never seen before—our very own superhero, Shaktimaan.

For many of us who grew up in that era, he was more than just a character on television. He was a role model, a moral compass, and a source of endless fascination.

But what began as a groundbreaking series that shaped the ideals of an entire generation soon lost its way, eventually becoming a mere shadow of its former self.

And today, the man behind the hero, Mukesh Khanna, is gradually eroding the very legacy he built.

The Birth Of An Indian Superhero

Before Shaktimaan, our exposure to superheroes was limited to imported content—Superman, Batman, and Spiderman from Hollywood or the occasional comic book that made its way into our hands.

Then came Shaktimaan, a homegrown hero who embodied Indian values and cultural ethos. The character, played by Mukesh Khanna, was not just a muscle-bound saviour in a maroon and gold costume but a spiritual warrior, empowered by yogic energy and righteous living.

Children watched in awe as Pandit Gangadhar Vidyadhar Mayadhar Omkarnath Shastri, the clumsy and mild-mannered alter ego of Shaktimaan, transformed into the invincible force of good.

The show was more than just an action-packed spectacle; it came with moral lessons. Shaktimaan’s monologues at the end of each episode, where he warned children about the dangers of lying, bullying, or wasting food, were a direct effort to shape young minds positively.

For parents, this was a relief. Here was a TV show that did not just entertain their children but also inculcated discipline and moral values.

Unlike violent cartoons that often left children hyperactive or aggressive, Shaktimaan preached patience, honesty, and self-control. He was the ultimate ‘sanskari’ superhero, someone parents could trust to be a good influence.

The Psychological Impact On Children

The impact of Shaktimaan on young minds was profound. Unlike the escapism provided by Western superheroes, Shaktimaan felt real and accessible. His powers were derived from meditation, chakras, and the control of prana—concepts that many Indian children heard about in mythological stories. He did not just wield superhuman strength but encouraged his audience to strive for self-improvement.

This influence extended beyond the television screen. Schools saw an increased interest in yoga and meditation. Children started mimicking Shaktimaan’s mudras and attempting to sit in meditative postures, believing they too could unlock hidden potential.

Some even started addressing everyday problems with a newfound sense of righteousness, confronting bullies and standing up for justice in their own small ways.

However, this impact was not entirely positive. Many children took their admiration too far.

Several tragic incidents were reported where children, in their attempt to emulate Shaktimaan, jumped off balconies or set themselves on fire, thinking they would emerge unharmed like their hero.

This led to nationwide debates on the responsibility of television content, forcing the makers of Shaktimaan to explicitly warn viewers not to attempt dangerous stunts.

The Decline Of A Cult Classic

For the first few years, Shaktimaan was revolutionary. But as the series progressed, it began losing its original charm. What started as a well-written superhero narrative with a mix of mythology, science, and morality, slowly devolved into an incoherent mess.

One of the first cracks appeared when the storytelling became repetitive. Villains like Tamraj Kilvish and Dr. Jackal, though intriguing at first, started following predictable patterns.

The moral lessons, once organically woven into the plot, began feeling forced. It was as if the show had run out of creative ideas but was unwilling to stop.

The introduction of bizarre, half-baked villains and unnecessary comic relief characters made matters worse. The visual effects, which were already outdated compared to Hollywood productions, became laughable as the show relied on excessive slow-motion sequences and poor CGI.

Instead of evolving with time, Shaktimaan stagnated, and its once-loyal audience started drifting away.

The final blow came when the series stretched itself thin with spin-offs and subplots that made no sense. There was even an attempt to introduce a Shaktimaan-inspired film, but it failed to capture the essence of the original.

Mukesh Khanna: A Hero Who Refuses To Let Go

One might think that after the series ended, Shaktimaan would live on as a nostalgic memory, something fans could cherish without interference. But Mukesh Khanna, the actor and creator behind the show, seems determined to drag Shaktimaan’s legacy through the mud.

In recent years, Khanna has made multiple attempts to revive the brand, each one more disappointing than the last.

His failed attempts at launching a Shaktimaan sequel, his cringe-worthy YouTube videos where he rants about ‘Western culture corrupting Indian youth,’ and his regressive views on gender and society have left many fans disillusioned.

The biggest blow to the childhood memories of Shaktimaan lovers came when Khanna announced a new film adaptation of Shaktimaan, claiming it would be bigger than anything Bollywood has ever seen.

The teaser, however, looked uninspiring, and fans feared that instead of giving Shaktimaan the grand revival he deserved, Khanna would turn it into yet another failed nostalgia cash-grab.

What is most frustrating is that Shaktimaan had the potential to be India’s answer to the Marvel and DC cinematic universes.

If handled correctly, it could have evolved into something truly legendary. But instead of handing over the reins to fresh, visionary filmmakers who understand modern storytelling and special effects, Mukesh Khanna insists on being at the centre of it all, refusing to let Shaktimaan exist without him.

A Legacy At Risk

Shaktimaan was, without doubt, a cultural phenomenon that shaped the childhood of an entire generation. It taught us values, gave us a hero to look up to, and instilled a sense of righteousness that many of us carry to this day.

But its downfall was as dramatic as its rise. What was once a well-crafted superhero story turned into an uninspired drag, and the man who once brought us our beloved hero is now ruining our nostalgia with his outdated views and ill-conceived attempts at revival.

As someone who grew up idolising Shaktimaan, I wish his legacy had been preserved with dignity. Instead of clinging to the past, Mukesh Khanna should have allowed the character to evolve in the hands of modern filmmakers who could do justice to its rich mythology and potential.

The greatest superheroes—whether Batman, Spiderman, or even Krishna from the Mahabharata—have thrived across generations because they were reimagined and retold in ways that resonated with new audiences.

If Shaktimaan is to have a future, it must break free from the shackles of its creator’s stubbornness and embrace reinvention. Otherwise, it risks being remembered not as India’s greatest superhero, but as an opportunity wasted.

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