‘Shaktimaan’: Did You Know Mukesh Khanna’s Superhero Show Was Once Nearly Shut Down Over Accusations of Causing Accidental Deaths Among Kids?

Mukesh Khanna is set to return as Shaktimaan, as revealed in a teaser he posted on his Instagram account, where he donned the iconic superhero costume. Touted as India's first superhero (a claim open to debate considering Mr India, Ajooba, and Shiva Ka Insaaf could also be considered superhero films), Shaktimaan was a highly popular series that aired on Doordarshan from 1997 to 2005. Khanna played the titular Shaktimaan and his timid alter ego, TV reporter Gangadhar - a clear nod to the Superman and Clark Kent dynamic. ‘Shaktimaan’ Is Back! Mukesh Khanna Announces Iconic Superhero’s Comeback for a New Generation (Watch Videos).

The show featured a strong supporting cast, including Surendra Pal (as the main antagonist, Tamraj Kilvish), Kitu Gidwani, Vaishnavi (who replaced Gidwani as the female lead), Tom Alter, Nawab Shah, Raju Shrivastav, Gajendra Chauhan, Ashwini Kalsekar, Alka Amin, and Urvashi Dholakia, among others. Mukesh Khanna was also the creative force behind the show.

Mukesh Khanna Announcing 'Shaktimaan' Return

Shaktimaan was immensely popular in the late '90s, driving strong ratings for Doordarshan despite significant competition from cable TV channels like Zee TV and Sony. The show had a profound influence on its young audience, solidifying its iconic status, though it was not without controversy. Mukesh Khanna Slams Ranveer Singh's Casting as Shaktimaan, Takes Potshots At Actor's Viral 'Nude' Photoshoot in His New Podcast (Watch Video).

'Shaktimaan' Accused of Accidental Deaths Among Kids

For those unfamiliar with the history, Shaktimaan was accused of indirectly causing incidents involving child injuries and deaths in certain parts of the country. Some children believed they could fly like Shaktimaan, while others assumed that the superhero would come to their rescue if they were in danger. Between 1998 and 1999, reports linked a few child deaths and injuries to the show, as children attempted to mimic the stunts. In one tragic incident in 1999, a boy from Nashik allegedly set himself on fire, hoping Shaktimaan would save him.

In 2003, a boy in Kolkata died accidentally while trying to imitate Shaktimaan’s flying stunts and became entangled in a fatal situation. In 2004, a girl in Kolkata died accidentally while attempting to twirl like Shaktimaan.

Prasar Bharati’s Attempt to Pull Shaktimaan Off Air

In 1999, following the surge in such reports, Doordarshan faced a flood of complaints from concerned parents who argued that Shaktimaan was negatively influencing their children. Prasar Bharati, which manages Doordarshan, issued a four-week show-cause notice to the show's creators, demanding its cancellation.

However, Mukesh Khanna fought the decision vigorously in court and ultimately succeeded, allowing the show to continue airing for another six years. This outcome was bolstered by the fact that the police could not conclusively prove that most of the incidents were directly caused by the show.

In a 2002 interview with PTI, Mukesh Khanna criticised the media for its ‘incorrect’ coverage of the incidents. He stated, "We have proved all such reports wrong. We won a legal battle on this. It is due to the wrong reportage that such an impression has been created. Shaktimaan has actually helped the children to inculcate some good habits and etiquette."

Shaktimaan’s Future Return to TV

Despite the controversies, Shaktimaan’s popularity never waned. After the main series ended, it inspired comic books, spin-off series, animated adaptations, and even an educational show. Recently, after announcing his return as Shaktimaan, Mukesh Khanna spoke to the media, explaining why he decided to reprise the role. He said, "I am continuing the duty I started in 1997, which lasted until 2005. I believe my work should reach the public in 2027 because today’s generation is running blindly. They need to be reminded to pause and reflect."

However, Khanna expressed disapproval when the character was slated for a big-screen adaptation with Ranveer Singh in the lead (a project currently on hold). He took to his YouTube channel to voice his criticism of the idea.

Women and Child Helpline Numbers:

Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 12, 2024 01:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).