EXCLUSIVE: Mukesh Khanna On Why He Rejects Most Film Offers - ‘Ya Toh Mujhe Villain Banana Chahte Hain Ya..’

If you are a true fan of Shaktimaan, you already know that Mukesh Khanna is not someone who says yes to every film offer. The veteran actor, known for Mahabharat and India’s first superhero show Shaktimaan, has always followed strict rules when choosing work.

In an exclusive conversation with journalist Rahul Varun on The Filmy Charcha, Mukesh Khanna spoke openly about why he rejects most film offers. He also explained why he does not actively look for work in the industry. According to him, his strong screen image is both his strength and his limitation.

Khanna said he is satisfied with his career pace. He admitted he could sign many films, but he rejects most of them because they do not suit his taste or the image he has built over the years.

When asked about the industry belief that actors should promote themselves and ask for work, Mukesh Khanna said he understands both sides but feels this rule cannot apply to everyone. He referred to a common industry example and said, “Bachcha jab tak rota nahi hai maa se tab tak doodh nahi milta usko.”

At the same time, he acknowledged that not promoting himself can affect his career, but he still prefers to follow his own path. For him, principles matter more than constant visibility.

He also clarified that he has not stopped working completely. The actor said, “Meri khidki khuli hui hai acting ki. Maine band nahi kiya.”

Mukesh Khanna said he is very selective when it comes to roles. He shared that he has rejected many films because they do not match his image.

He said, “Aath filmein mana ki hongi... kyunki ya toh mujhe villain banana chahte hain ya mere image ke khilaf role hai.”

He explained that he is highly conscious of his on-screen identity. According to him, characters like Shaktimaan and Bhishma Pitamah are not just roles but strong images that he does not want to damage. The actor added, “Main hi ek actor hoon jo image se conscious hai.”

For Mukesh Khanna, this is not a weakness. Instead, he sees it as discipline and a personal rule he follows in his career.

Mukesh Khanna said his decisions are not driven by money or pressure. He believes in staying true to his values, even if it means losing opportunities.

He strongly rejected the idea that his choices are a limitation. Khanna said, “Yeh meri moorkhta nahi hai, yeh mera principle hai.”

He also said he does not measure success only in financial terms. For him, compromising values for higher pay is not acceptable. He concluded, “Main zameer bechna shuru karun toh main nahi deta… aap mujhe moorkh actor keh sakte hain.”