Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna is set to return to the big screen with Vishwaguru, a project he says appealed to him because of its subject and larger message. In a recent interaction, the Shaktimaan actor opened up about his decision to take up the film, describing it as a significant project after Dev Anand‘s Censor. Khanna also recalled the discussions that eventually convinced him to come on board.
Mukesh Khanna explains why he agreed to ‘Vishwaguru’
According to IANS, Mukesh Khanna said the subject of Vishwaguru immediately caught his attention, although he took time before committing to the project. He revealed that the makers met him several times to discuss the film and its story before he agreed to be part of it.“I liked the topic; I liked the subject. He was right, we had three meetings, and then we spoke,” Khanna said.Recalling how the filmmaker continued to persuade him, the actor added, “Three times, he sat at my table and went out, then came in, then went out, then came in. And ultimately, he left a Ram Bandh on me.”Khanna also revealed that the makers specifically told him that his dialogues in the film would be in Hindi. He eventually agreed after considering the subject and what the film intended to convey.“Sir, you speak in Hindi in this film. And I said, okay, fine. Because the subject…” he recalled.
Mukesh Khanna says ‘Vishwaguru’ could mark an important comeback
Khanna has maintained a selective approach towards films over the years, and he admitted that he does not take up projects frequently. For him, Vishwaguru represents a particularly important return to the big screen.“Look, I make very few films. And I’ll tell you openly that maybe after Dev Anand’s film, ‘Censor,’ maybe after ‘Censor,’ a big film of mine is coming. People are waiting for me. So, I did this film because I liked the subject,” he said.Khanna appeared in Dev Anand’s 2001 film ‘Censor’, in which he played an Indian Army officer. Over the years, he has become particularly associated with iconic characters such as Shaktimaan and Bhishma Pitamah.
What is Mukesh Khanna’s ‘Vishwaguru’ about?
Directed by Shailesh Boghani and Atul Sonar, ‘Vishwaguru’ revolves around an international group that attempts to attack India through deceit and force. The film explores the idea of spiritual knowledge becoming a source of strength for the country and presents India as a global teacher.
