Mukesh Khanna Hits Out at Comedian Samay Raina: “Shaktimaan is Not a Joke”

New Delhi, April 9, 2026: The legendary Mukesh Khanna, known to millions as India’s first superhero Shaktimaan, has once again made headlines for his uncompromising stance on the sanctity of his iconic character. The veteran actor recently lashed out at popular stand-up comedian Samay Raina following a segment in Raina’s YouTube show Still Alive, accusing the creator of “insulting” the legacy of the beloved hero.

Using the Hindi idiom “Kutte ki dum“ (a dog’s tail that never straightens), Khanna expressed his frustration over modern creators who use Shaktimaan for “cheap humor” and “vulgarity.”

The Spark: What Happened on ‘Still Alive’?

The controversy began when Samay Raina, known for his edgy and often irreverent brand of comedy, featured a segment involving Shaktimaan in his latest digital production. While the show thrives on dark humor and satire, Khanna felt the portrayal crossed a line into disrespect.

Khanna, who has always been protective of the 90s icon, viewed the content as a mockery of the values the character stands for. Shaktimaan was originally designed to teach children about ethics, health, and righteousness—a far cry from the modern “roast” culture prevalent on YouTube.

“Kutte Ki Dum”: Khanna’s Fierce Reaction

In a video statement and subsequent social media posts, Mukesh Khanna didn’t hold back. His critique focused on two main points:

• The Loss of Values: Khanna argued that today’s comedians lack the creative depth to build original content, resorting instead to “tarnishing” established icons.
• Vulgarity in Comedy: He expressed disdain for the use of double entendres and “crass” jokes when referencing a character that served as a role model for a generation.

“I have said this before, and I will say it again—Shaktimaan is not just a character; it is an emotion. People like these [comedians] are like ‘Kutte ki dum’; no matter how much you tell them to maintain decorum, they return to their old ways for a few views,” Khanna stated.

A History of Protectionism

This isn’t the first time Khanna has suited up for a legal or verbal battle to defend his alter ego. Over the years, he has:

1. Slammed Ranveer Singh: Following rumors of a Shaktimaan film starring the Bollywood actor, Khanna voiced his disapproval, stating that the actor’s public image didn’t align with the “purity” of the hero.
2. Copyright Enforcement: He has been vocal about taking legal action against YouTubers and influencers who use the Shaktimaan costume or theme song without permission.

The Generational Divide in Comedy

The clash highlights a growing friction between the nostalgia-driven values of veteran artists and the unfiltered nature of Gen-Z content creators. While Samay Raina’s fanbase often views his work as harmless satire, Khanna sees it as a “cultural degradation” of Indian television history.

For Samay Raina, this adds to a string of recent controversies regarding his “unfiltered” comedy style. For Mukesh Khanna, it is a reminder that as long as he is around, Shaktimaan will not be “parodied” without a fight.

What’s Next for Shaktimaan?

Despite the controversies, the buzz around Shaktimaan remains at an all-time high. With a massive theatrical trilogy in the works (produced by Sony Pictures International Productions), the stakes are higher than ever. Khanna remains adamant that the “purity” of the character must be maintained as it transitions from the small screen to the global cinematic stage.