India’s original superhero, Shaktimaan, is back! Mukesh Khanna, who played Shaktimaan in the beloved 1990s series, recently announced his return to the iconic role at age 66. As he dons the classic red-and-gold suit once again, fans can’t help but notice the design similarities between his attire and those of Western superheroes like Marvel’s Iron Man and DC’s Shazam. Could Shaktimaan’s suit have taken inspiration from these internationally famed heroes?
The suit has become a symbol of Indian superhero nostalgia, but it has left fans speculating over whether the red and gold design could be influenced by Shazam, who first appeared in 1940, or Iron Man, introduced in 1963. Shazam’s red and gold suit features striking accents like gold boots, a sash belt, and a lightning emblem. Iron Man’s red and gold armor became a defining trait of the character’s appearance and persona in the Marvel universe. Shaktimaan, with his maroon and gold sun-emblazoned suit, joins this lineage, but with a unique twist: his power comes not from a suit but from Kundalini Yoga and the awakening of chakras, blending superhero elements with Indian spirituality.
Since his debut in 1997, Shaktimaan has stood out for his connection to Indian philosophy, combining traditional mysticism with the allure of a superhero. Unlike Iron Man, who relies on a technologically advanced suit, Shaktimaan’s strength is drawn from spiritual discipline rooted in the Suryavanshi tradition, where meditation unleashes his full potential.
In a recent appearance, Khanna expressed his enthusiasm about reprising the role, saying, “This is a costume within me… I did well in Shaktimaan because it came from within me.” His words resonated with fans who have grown up with the series, which aired over 450 episodes on Doordarshan. Shaktimaan’s transformation into a superhero and his dual life as the mild-mannered Pandit Gangadhar Vidyadhar Mayadhar Omkarnath Shastri took inspiration from Western superheroes like Superman, who also balances a civilian and superhero identity.
The parallels haven’t gone unnoticed. Reddit threads and social media posts reveal fans noting these connections, with some calling it a homage to global superhero culture. A Reddit user commented, “Looking at Shazam posters makes me realize just how much Mukesh Khanna’s Shaktimaan was based on him.”
Even with these Western influences, Shaktimaan retains a distinctly Indian essence. The show’s creators have emphasized its grounding in Indian spirituality, with Shaktimaan’s powers rooted in meditation, Kundalini energy, and self-discipline. Unlike Western heroes who often derive strength from technology, Shaktimaan is emblematic of spiritual awakening, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil through inner power.
With Khanna’s return to the iconic suit, fans are thrilled to relive the magic of India’s first major superhero, bridging cultural influences from the East and West. As Shaktimaan returns to the screen, he continues to embody the spirit of transcending cultural boundaries—reclaiming a space in the hearts of both nostalgic viewers and a new generation of superhero fans.
Sources By Agencies
