The actor talks about the controversy over his recent comments about Sonakshi Sinha’s knowledge of Ramayan
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; April 14, 2020)

Senior actor Mukesh Khanna recently took a dig at Sonakshi Sinha, saying that the rerun of Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan on TV would help young people like her, who lacked knowledge about the epic. The comment was triggered by an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati last year, where Sonakshi didn’t know the answer to a question on Ramayan. Mukesh, who had played Bhishma Pitamah in BR Chopra’s 80s’ iconic TV show, Mahabharat, also lashed out at Ekta Kapoor for making a ‘modernised’ version of the epic on TV. BT questioned him about his controversial statements and here’s what he had to say. Read on...

After your comment on Sonakshi, her father Shatrughan Sinha, without naming you, questioned why is ‘someone’ trying to be the ‘guardian of Hindu religion’...
People have blown my comment out of proportion. I have known Shatruji for long and have immense respect for him. I took Sonakshi’s name as a mere example. It does not mean I was trying to demean her or question her knowledge. However, I am shocked to see how the current generation is not aware of many things. I am not claiming to be the guardian of Ramayan and Hindu literature, but as a citizen of India, I do feel that it is our duty to introduce our literature and history to today’s generation because they are more interested in TikTok and Harry Potter. Once again, if Shatruji feels that taking Sonakshi’s name was a mistake, then yes, it is. But, it was not intentional.

Nitish Bharadwaj has also lashed out at your comments, saying ‘Seniors seem worthy of respect, if they walk the path of empathy’ towards the younger generation. Your take?
Should I not say anything just because today’s generation will stop respecting me? I have never minced words and have always been honest about my thoughts, but Nitish Bharadwaj is diplomatic. He has also said that the current generation will never know about Ramayan and Mahabharat because our school textbooks don’t have any chapters on the epics. Well, there are no chapters on Harry Potter either, but the young generation knows about it. When we were growing up, our textbooks didn’t have chapters on the epics, but our parents introduced us to them.

Puneet Issar, too, has condemned your comments and feels that as you age, you should show some grace...
Puneet is just trying to promote his play, which glorifies Duryodhan. He feels that it is his interpretation of Mahabharat and Duryodhan’s character. He also feels that Ekta Kapoor’s Mahabharat was her interpretation of the epic. Well, Ekta’s Mahabharat looked like Greeks were playing Hindustanis. I do have the right to say that these versions are not based on the original, and they should watch the reruns of Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan and B R Chopra’s Mahabharat.

Sonil Dedhia (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 1, 2020)

Amid Coronavirus outbreak and 21-day lockdown in India, the government has decided to re-telecast the mythological serial of the ’80s — Ramayana and Mahabharat, on public demand. Joining the list of reruns on Doordarshan is another cult classic from the golden era of Indian television, superhero show Shaktimaan. Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna says that he appreciates this decision. He says, “It is a blessing in disguise. I am impressed with the government as the entire nation is going to watch it together. Since the time the government made this announcement, I have received many calls from fans, who are waiting to watch the show and also share it with their kids.”

Khanna, who also produced the show, essayed the dual roles of Shaktimaan and his geeky double Gangadhar, a photojournalist for Aaj Ki Aawaz newspaper. He adds that the show is significant event today. “The content that came during the ’80s and ’90s is better than any saas-bahu serials. Today’s generation is running behind getting good grades or a high paying job. Most of them are on their mobile phones or the internet. These kids need guidance, and our show has always been educative and informative. And that is why our show is relevant even today,” he says.

The actor says that they are soon coming up with the second season of the show which will tackle a few modern issues. “For the last three years, we have been working towards bringing out the second edition, which is contemporary but rooted in our values. We were working on the sequel because people wanted to know, aage kya hua (what happened next). From technology to even this virus, we will plan to include whatever we can. I feel whenever we return to work after this crisis, I will be in a better position to bring out the second part because the demand for it is higher than ever before,” he concludes.

Ex-CFSI chairman Mukesh Khanna, who is now presenting a true-life sports drama and is open to good acting offers
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 23, 2018)

The ex-chairman of the Children’s Film Society of India (CFSI), Mukesh Khanna, who resigned from the position in February, a month before his tenure was ending as, according to reports, he was unable to “execute his ideas for the society”, is to present National Award-winning filmmaker Ujjwal Chatterjee’s next. Titled Jungle Crows, the film revolves around a rugby team from Orrisa, recreating the glorious victory of 12 boys from the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar who took part in Touraid, the Under-14 international school tournament, to lift the Nations Cup in London in 2007.

“When I was the Chairman of CFSI I had approved this script, along with 20 others. We didn’t have the money then to make even four films. That was my primary grudge against the ministry that they were not giving me enough money to make the films I wanted. I believe every filmmaker after eight-10 films should make at least one film catering to children but no one pays heed to such suggestions. So, when I left CFSI, I decided to associate myself with a film for kids,” informs Khanna.

He admits that he doesn’t have the finance to fund films himself, but if his brand helps sell one, he’s ready to present it. “Jungle Crows is the first film coming out of my banner. It’s an inspiring story of tribal boys who didn’t even know the ABC of rugby, but a coach spotted them playing football and trained them. Everyone should know their story,” points out the veteran actor who after Shaktimaan and Aaryaman Brahmand Ka Yoddha had produced the DD TV show Sautela in 2007.

A London-based company is financing the film with an Indian partner. Khanna admits the makers want him to act in it too, but he is yet to take a call on that. “We will go on the floors in a few months, once we lock our final cast,” says Khanna, quick to add that he turned producer with Shaktimaan coincidentally but he is an actor first. “However, once I turned producer, people started thinking that I had got busy and stopped offering me roles. I don’t ask for work, but I want to do films again. At the same time, I’m super selective,” he signs off.

Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; February 4, 2018)

Senior actor Mukesh Khanna had high hopes of reviving the Children’s Film Society, India (CFSI) when he assumed its chairmanship. However, three years down the line and three months before completing his tenure, Khanna has put in his papers. He rues, “As a cause, children’s entertainment is close to my heart and I have been working towards it for the past 17 years. I have played Shaktiman, who became a superhero for kids. I joined CFSI hoping to improve the situation, as the children in our country are deprived of good films; they have only saas-bahu sagas and nonsensical subjects at their disposal. I thought I would be able to make a difference. However, I have been fighting in vain to raise funds for children’s films since two years. We have made more than 260 films since its inception in 1955, but they haven’t seen a theatrical release. The higher-ups want to stick to the old routine of making children’s films for the festival circuit or for screening in schools. Now, that defeats the purpose, as a theatrical release will ensure more footfalls. It also spreads more awareness about CFSI. I have approached many ministers, but all my requests have fallen on deaf ears.”

He adds, “Presently, we have four films ready for release, but the I & B Ministry has asked me not to approach distributors. Though I got a distributor on board for a tennis-based film, I was asked to float a tender, which would have delayed the release. In the end, I was told to release it on Doordarshan. Who will buy the film after it has aired on a national channel?”

The actor has already conveyed his decision to quit to the I&B Ministry and is awaiting a response from them. “Rather than waiting helplessly for funds, I want to step down and work for the welfare of children. It’s not possible to do what I wish to, within a budget of Rs 10 crores a year. My advice to my successor is that poori plate saja kar rakhi hai with some great scripts approved by the script committee. All they have to do is release the films. I have already put in my papers and am awaiting a reply. There is no response yet,” he signs off.

BOMBAY TIMES (November 14, 2017)

While talking to BT, Mukesh Khanna, Chairman, Children’s Film Society of India (CFSI), says that it’s the Central government’s responsibility to improve the state of children’s films in India.

It’s your third year as CFSI chairman. You had sanctioned about a dozen films, which are yet to see the light of day. What’s going on?
I have got eight movies off the ground in my tenure so far. You think it’s very easy to have films made? No, it’s not. Four of these are out-and-out commercial projects because I don’t want these films to circulate only in festivals. Earlier, no one tried to get the films made by the society a theatrical release. However, I’m trying to do that and hopefully, these films will release in the next quarter or so.

I’m looking for distributors to partner for Tennis Buddies, Banarsi Jasoos, School Chalega and Chidiya Khaana. It has taken me long because I’ve had to battle with the I&B Ministry to get budgets sanctioned. They don’t want to acknowledge that the cost of filmmaking has spiralled in the past 20 years.

Why is funding becoming an issue when there are government subsidies?
We have subsidies, not budgets. The ministry is yet to understand the system I have set up. In the next year, we should be able to start about 12 films. So, I’ve got things moving. Also, we have organized a children’s film festival in Telangana that ends today.

After taking over as the I&B Minister, Smriti Irani has been making changes. Have you met her to discuss the working conditions of the CFSI?
I have not met Smriti Irani yet. She is too busy. I am surprised that despite an official letter, she hasn’t given me an appointment yet. I have also written to the PMO, requesting for money for kids. I mean, hamare paas bacchon ke liye paisa nahi hai to kiske liye hai?

Do you think that the condition of the body has worsened over the years?
We can restore its lost glory. Every child needs a film that he can enjoy. They don’t need saas bahu and brainless dramas. I ask filmmakers, ‘If we can spend Rs 300 crore on Baahubali, can’t we spend Rs 10 crore on a children’s film?’ I am fighting a mentality that needs to change. More producers have to come forth and work — they expect a Harry Potter from Hollywood and not even make a Shaktimaan here.

Mukesh Khanna appointed as the chairperson for Children’s Film Society of India
Subhash K Jha (DNA; April 26, 2015)


In a country where children’s films are almost non-existent you seem to have inherited a thankless job?
A huge responsibility has been placed on my shoulder. And I think I am up to it. I had been offered various other positions. I was even offered the chance to contest elections. But no, that wasn’t my scene. I didn’t have time to give to politics, so I declined. I didn’t want to cheat on my job. I said yes to this because I feel strongly about entertainment for children. Yes, I’ve noticed that in India we consider children’s film to be a minor thing. I have never thought like that.

Your connection with children is very strong because of Shaktimaan?
I made Shaktimaan specially for children. To this day, I am asked to play Shaktimaan by children everywhere. In my opinion entertainment for kids must be treated on par with what’s done for adults. I feel we don’t give the same importance to children’s entertainment as they do in the West.

In what way?
We feel children only need to be sermonised. Children must be entertained first. Only then will they accept the message that you want to convey. This is what I did in Shaktimaan. I felt films for children in this country were not good enough. Now it’s my turn to do something about it.

What do you have in mind?
I remember once I was in jury to judge children’s films. Many members of the jury complained that there were no theatres for children’s films. My response that was, ‘Why ask for theatres for children? Why not make such films that exhibitors come to you for children’s films?’ I remember Amitabh Bachchan singing Mere paas aao mere doston for kids in Mr Natwarlal. Kids forced their parents to see the film. I want to do exactly that. Get kids interested in films.

Enthused by the new responsibility?
I am really looking forward to doing something that kids can see. I was on the jury for the National awards once. I saw jury members walk out of children’s films. If they couldn’t sit through films meant for children how can children be expected to sit through them?