Shaktimaan continues to be one of the most iconic shows in Indian television history. The 90s superhero series captivated generations, topped TRP charts for years, and made Mukesh Khanna a household name. His red and gold superhero suit became instantly recognizable, even becoming a popular sight at Comic Cons and local fairs. But now, the internet is raising eyebrows over whether the iconic costume was actually an original design.
A recent viral post by Twitter user @thecaoticdjay has sparked a debate. The user shared an image comparing Mukesh Khanna’s Shaktimaan costume to that of Japanese wrestler Chaparita asari from a 1995 episode of WWF Monday Night Raw. In the match, which aired in December 1995 and saw Aja Kong defeat Asari, the latter debuted a red outfit with golden armbands, shoulder pads, and a gold emblem on the chest that closely resembles Shaktimaan’s signature sunburst design.
“Lesser known fact: Mukesh Khanna ne #Shaktimaan ka costume 1995 WWF women’s wrestler Chaparita Asari se churaya tha,” the user wrote, suggesting that the Indian superhero costume may have been inspired—or copied—from the wrestler’s gear.
The post quickly spread across social media platforms, with users sharing side-by-side comparisons and expressing shock at the similarity. Comments flooded in on Instagram as well. One user wrote, “So much for originality,” while another claimed, “This is 100% copied.” Adding humor to the situation, one fan joked, “Ab khud ko sorry Shaktimaan bolna padega,” referencing the viral meme associated with the show.
Shaktimaan was created by and starred Mukesh Khanna in the titular role, alongside a supporting cast that included Vaishnavi Mahant, Surendra Pal, Kitu Gidwani, Lalit Parimoo, and Tom Alter. Directed by Dinker Jani, the show ran on Doordarshan from 1997 to 2005 and even inspired a comic book series, an animated adaptation, and merchandise.
In 2022, Sony announced a live-action reboot of the franchise with a trilogy of films. Ranveer Singh was reportedly in talks to play the lead role, but according to recent reports, the project has hit a roadblock and is currently stalled.
