“Shaktimaan is not just a name, it’s an emotion,” says Mukesh Khanna as he announces his comeback as the iconic superhero in a whole new format.
In This Article:
The Return of an Icon
In a landmark development for Indian superhero fans, Mukesh Khanna, the original face of Shaktimaan, is making a grand return—but this time, not on TV or film. The 65-year-old actor will reprise the iconic role in an audio series format, streaming exclusively on Pocket FM.
“I am thrilled to reintroduce Shaktimaan to a new generation in a format they love—audio,” said Mukesh Khanna.
The Audio Format—A Modern Twist to a Timeless Hero
Gone are the days of the traditional superhero format. Now, Shaktimaan will live in listeners’ ears. This innovative leap allows Khanna to reconnect with longtime fans while reaching out to a new, digital-native generation.
Key Points:
- The series will be available exclusively on Pocket FM.
- Mukesh Khanna will lend his own voice to the titular role.
- The format is designed for younger audiences who prefer podcasts and audio storytelling.
- New story arcs, modern villains, and moral themes will be incorporated.
“[Audio is] the ideal platform to recreate the Shaktimaan universe for a generation that consumes content on the go,” said Pocket FM in an official statement.
A Look Back—What Made Shaktimaan a Cultural Phenomenon
First aired on Doordarshan in 1997, Shaktimaan ran for nearly a decade. The character, played by Mukesh Khanna, was India’s first-ever homegrown superhero. Donning a maroon suit and golden insignia, Shaktimaan became a symbol of truth, justice, and inner strength.
He wasn’t just fighting villains; he was also educating children on moral values, environmental awareness, and mental discipline.
“Shaktimaan is my life’s biggest gift to Indian kids. Now it’s time to give it a new shape,” says Khanna.
The New Series—What to Expect
The Pocket FM audio series will feature original scripts and never-before-heard storylines. Unlike the TV version, this adaptation promises to go deeper into Shaktimaan’s origin, psychological battles, and modern-day challenges.
Confirmed Features:
- Reimagined origin story
- New supervillains
- Contemporary themes like cybercrime and AI threats
- High production value with immersive sound design
“We aim to blend nostalgia with new-age storytelling,” said Pocket FM’s Head of Content.
Mukesh Khanna on His Role
After playing Shaktimaan and Gangadhar for almost a decade, Khanna had stepped away from acting roles in recent years. His return as the voice of Shaktimaan shows his deep personal connection with the character.
“Shaktimaan is more than a show—it’s a mission,” Khanna emphasized.
He also revealed that this series is not a copy-paste revival, but a spiritually driven continuation of Shaktimaan’s journey.
A Strategic Move by Pocket FM
By collaborating with a household name like Mukesh Khanna, Pocket FM is strategically positioning itself as a content leader in India’s booming audio market. The superhero revival caters not just to millennials and Gen Z, but also to nostalgic 90s kids.
“This collaboration strengthens our portfolio and expands our listener base,” said Pocket FM’s marketing team.
Moving Forward: A Hero Rises Once Again—Through Sound
Shaktimaan’s return is not just a comeback; it’s a resurgence of Indian values in a modern shell. With Mukesh Khanna back at the helm, and an audio format that suits today’s mobile audience, the series is poised to win both hearts and ears.
If you’re a fan of Indian superheroes, this is a comeback you simply can’t afford to miss.
By – Nikita