Mukesh Khanna has addressed the backlash surrounding his appearance with Samay Raina in a recent advertisement. The actor clarified that the commercial was a brand project, not an endorsement of Raina or India’s Got Latent, and said his criticism of such shows remains unchanged.
The Shaktimaan actor had previously criticised Samay Raina during the controversy surrounding India’s Got Latent. His decision to appear alongside the comedian in a mobile phone advertisement therefore caught many social media users off guard.
Some users questioned how Khanna could share the screen with Raina after being so vocal about the show. Others accused the actor of having “sold out” because of the commercial.
Khanna has now given his side of the story and explained why he agreed to do the advertisement.
Why Did Mukesh Khanna Appear With Samay Raina?
Mukesh Khanna said he appeared with Samay Raina because the project was a commercial advertisement, not a collaboration with India’s Got Latent. He revealed that the brand approached him repeatedly before he finally agreed to participate.
Speaking on Subhojit Ghosh’s podcast, Khanna said the brand took around 10 days to convince him. He initially questioned whether appearing with Raina was appropriate because of his earlier criticism of the comedian’s show.
Khanna said he eventually agreed after asking to see the script. He also wanted the freedom to request changes before committing to the advertisement.
The actor’s explanation is important because his appearance with Raina created the impression that he had softened his earlier position. Khanna, however, says the commercial should be viewed separately from his criticism of the show.
Mukesh Khanna Reacts To ‘Bik Gaya’ Comments
Mukesh Khanna strongly rejected the suggestion that he had compromised his beliefs for the advertisement. He pointed out that he never appeared on Raina’s show or praised the comedian as part of the commercial.
“Mere log nahi bolenge ki main bik gaya. Agar mujhe kharidte toh main bhi gaali-galoch karta na?” Khanna said during the podcast.
He further questioned what exactly he had done to suggest that he had changed his position. According to Khanna, appearing in a commercial alongside Raina does not mean that he supports everything Raina does.
The actor also made it clear that he did not consider the advertisement an endorsement of India’s Got Latent. His comments suggest that he sees the commercial as a professional assignment rather than a statement about his personal views.
‘Shaktimaan Cannot Be Bought,’ Says Mukesh Khanna
Mukesh Khanna used one of his most recognisable characters to reject the allegations against him. Referring to his iconic superhero character, he said, “Shaktimaan nahi bik sakta,” while explaining why he does not believe the advertisement represents a compromise.
Khanna also stressed that he never appeared as a guest on India’s Got Latent. He said that if he had actually changed his position, his actions would have looked very different.
His comments come after the advertisement sparked debate among viewers who remembered his earlier criticism of Raina. The actor now wants to draw a clear line between working for a brand and supporting a particular entertainment format.
Has Mukesh Khanna Changed His Stance On India’s Got Latent?
No, Mukesh Khanna says his position has not changed. He continues to oppose the kind of roasting and comedy programmes that he has previously criticised.
During the podcast, Khanna also referred to his criticism of the Supreme Court in connection with the proceedings involving Raina. His latest comments therefore suggest that his concerns about the show remain separate from his decision to participate in the advertisement.
The controversy has largely emerged because of the contrast between Khanna’s earlier statements and his new commercial appearance. For the actor, however, the two situations are not connected.
His message is straightforward: appearing alongside Samay Raina in a brand advertisement does not mean that he has endorsed India’s Got Latent or withdrawn his criticism of the show.
The Key Takeaway
Mukesh Khanna says his Samay Raina advertisement appearance was a commercial decision and does not represent a change in his stance on India’s Got Latent.
FAQ Section
Why did Mukesh Khanna appear with Samay Raina?
Mukesh Khanna appeared with Samay Raina in a mobile phone advertisement after the brand convinced him to participate.
Is Mukesh Khanna still against India’s Got Latent?
Yes, Khanna said his views against India’s Got Latent and similar roasting programmes have not changed.
Did Mukesh Khanna say he was paid to support Samay Raina?
No, Khanna rejected the idea that the advertisement meant he had endorsed or supported Raina’s show.
What did Mukesh Khanna say about Shaktimaan?
Mukesh Khanna said, “Shaktimaan cannot be bought,” while rejecting accusations that he had compromised his principles.
Did Mukesh Khanna appear on India’s Got Latent?
No, Khanna specifically pointed out that he never appeared on Raina’s show.
