Did Shaktimaan’s Iconic Costume Come from a WWF Wrestler?

Shaktimaan is one of the most famous superhero shows in Indian TV history. It started in the 90s and won the hearts of many viewers, topping TV ratings for years. The character, played by Mukesh Khanna, became a superhero icon, and his costume became recognizable as people dressed up as him at fairs and Comic Cons.

But now, a question has arisen: Was Shaktimaan’s costume copied? A Twitter user found a wrestling match from 1995 where a wrestler named Chaparita Asari wore a costume that looks a lot like Shaktimaan’s. This match was part of WWF’s (now known as WWE) Monday Night Raw. Asari had a red suit with golden decorations, including an emblem in the center that looks like a flower or a sun.

The Twitter user, @thecaoticdjay, shared a picture of Asari and Mukesh Khanna in their costumes, suggesting that Khanna may have taken the idea from Asari. The tweet quickly gained attention, with many social media users agreeing that the costumes looked similar. Some joked that Mukesh Khanna might need to apologize to himself for the comparison!

About Shaktimaan: The show was created by Mukesh Khanna and directed by Dinker Jani. It aired from November 1997 to March 2005, featuring actors like Vaishnavi Mahant and Tom Alter. Shaktimaan also led to toys, a comic series, and even a new animated show in 2011-12. A live-action film reboot was announced in 2022, with Ranveer Singh possibly playing Shaktimaan, but reports say the project is currently on hold.