Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, who is best known for his iconic roles as Shaktimaan and Bhishma Pitamah in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, has always been vocal about his views on modern-day television. Recently, he opened up about his reasons for distancing himself from Kapil Sharma, one of India’s most popular comedians and television hosts. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Thikana, Mukesh revealed two specific incidents that made him averse to Kapil, as well as his disapproval of a skit involving his beloved character, Shaktimaan.
A Clash of Values: Why Mukesh Khanna Said No to The Kapil Sharma Show
Mukesh Khanna made headlines in 2020 when he refused to appear on The Kapil Sharma Show, despite its massive popularity. During his recent interview, he explained the reasoning behind his decision. While acknowledging Kapil’s immense talent as an entertainer, Khanna expressed discomfort with the content featured on Kapil’s show.
“I don’t like Bigg Boss or The Kapil Sharma Show because of the vulgarity, but he (Kapil Sharma) is a terrific entertainer, no doubt,” Mukesh shared. He emphasized that it wasn’t a personal vendetta but a matter of his values not aligning with the type of humor portrayed on these platforms. For Mukesh, the issue went deeper than just comedic sketches; it was about maintaining the integrity of the characters he had spent years building.
The Shaktimaan Skit: A Disrespectful Depiction
The first incident that left Mukesh Khanna with a sour impression of Kapil Sharma occurred during one of Kapil’s comedy skits on Comedy Circus, where Kapil donned the iconic Shaktimaan costume. Mukesh, who had spent years portraying the righteous superhero, was deeply offended by the portrayal.
“They used to do skits on Comedy Circus, and the mistake Kapil made was that he wore Shaktimaan’s costume. In front of him was a girl, with a bed shown on the side,” Mukesh recalled. He was particularly disturbed by the suggestive nature of the skit, which implied that Shaktimaan was neglecting his superhero duties for romantic pursuits.
Mukesh Khanna elaborated on why the sketch felt so wrong to him: “I said, ‘What the hell!’ We’ve made this character so righteous, and you’re showing that since he’s busy, he isn’t going to a girl—otherwise, he would be wooing them.” This portrayal clashed with the image Mukesh had carefully cultivated for Shaktimaan, a symbol of morality and justice for children and families across India. For him, such humor not only disrespected the character but also tarnished the values Shaktimaan stood for.
The Award Show Snub: A Personal Slight
The second incident that shaped Mukesh Khanna’s opinion of Kapil Sharma happened at an award show, where Kapil’s behavior further strained their relationship. Mukesh narrated how Kapil’s lack of acknowledgment left a lasting impression on him.
“I was sitting in the front row, and Kapil was, I think, just starting in the industry. So, Kapil sat next to me for 10-20 minutes but didn’t greet me once. He just took his award and left,” Mukesh recounted. To Mukesh, the incident came across as a display of arrogance, especially since Kapil was still early in his career at the time.
Mukesh Khanna admitted that this incident, coupled with the Shaktimaan skit, led him to view Kapil as “uncultured.” He added, “Why do you think of yourself as being so big? When such a person behaves like this, they lose respect.” For Mukesh, Kapil’s behavior was indicative of a lack of humility, which only deepened the disconnect between them.
Kapil Sharma’s Growing Fame
Despite the rift between them, Mukesh Khanna didn’t shy away from recognizing Kapil Sharma’s undeniable talent. Kapil has grown to become one of India’s most celebrated comedians, with a massive fan following and a long list of accolades. His current show, The Great Indian Kapil Show, is now in its second season and premieres new episodes every Saturday evening on Netflix. The show continues to draw huge viewership with its light-hearted humor and entertaining guest appearances.
However, Mukesh’s criticism highlights the broader conversation about the evolution of comedy and entertainment on Indian television. While Kapil’s humor appeals to millions, Mukesh’s stance reflects the discomfort some may feel with the increasingly bold content featured in modern comedy shows.
At the heart of Mukesh Khanna’s criticism of Kapil Sharma lies a divergence in values. While Kapil’s humor is often lighthearted and playful, Mukesh holds his roles—particularly that of Shaktimaan—to a higher moral standard. The Shaktimaan skit, coupled with a personal snub, soured their relationship, leading Mukesh to label Kapil as “uncultured.”
Yet, despite their differences, Mukesh’s candid reflections on the incidents provide valuable insight into the challenges of maintaining artistic integrity in a world where entertainment is constantly evolving. As Kapil Sharma continues to shine as one of India’s top entertainers, the discussion around what constitutes respectful comedy remains ever-relevant in
the landscape of Indian television.