“Tu Sirf Gadhe Par Baithne Layak Hai”: Mukesh Khanna's Explosive Attack On Samay Raina
Times Life | April 10, 2026 4:40 PM CST
Comedian Samay Raina has once again found himself at the centre of controversy after his latest stand-up special “Still Alive” featured jokes about veteran actor Mukesh Khanna and his iconic superhero character Shaktimaan. The special came after Samay’s return to the spotlight following the India’s Got Latent controversy, but one particular joke about Shaktimaan quickly became the biggest talking point online.
What Samay Raina Said About Shaktimaan
Mukesh Khanna’s Angry ResponseMukesh Khanna reacted strongly on social media and shared a series of harsh posts aimed at Samay Raina. In one of his posts, he called the comedian “kutte ki dum,” suggesting that no matter how much someone tries to change, they remain the same. He also described Samay as someone “burnt in the fire of filth” and accused him of insulting the values represented by Shaktimaan.
The Donkey Image That Went ViralThe controversy escalated further when Mukesh Khanna shared an AI-generated image showing Samay Raina sitting on a donkey with his face blackened and a garland around his neck. In his caption, Khanna suggested that the comedian should be publicly humiliated for mocking Shaktimaan. The image quickly went viral and became one of the most discussed parts of the feud.
Internet Divided Over The ControversySocial media users have been sharply divided over the clash. Some people supported Mukesh Khanna and argued that national icons like Shaktimaan deserve respect. Others defended Samay Raina and said comedians should have the freedom to joke about public figures and old television shows. Many users felt Mukesh Khanna’s reaction was too extreme and accused him of taking comedy too seriously.
“Imagine Chris Evans slamming somebody for making a joke on Captain America.” Why Shaktimaan Remains A Sensitive TopicShaktimaan was one of India’s biggest television shows during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The series aired for 450 episodes and made Mukesh Khanna a household name. Over the years, the character became deeply associated with childhood nostalgia, moral lessons, and superhero culture in India. Because of that emotional connection, criticism or jokes about Shaktimaan often trigger strong reactions from fans and from Mukesh Khanna himself.
Bigger Debate Around Comedy And Free Speech
The clash between Mukesh Khanna and Samay Raina has now gone beyond a single joke. It has become part of a larger debate about where comedy should draw the line and how public figures should respond when they become the target of satire. While some believe comedians should have complete freedom to joke about anyone, others feel that iconic characters and personalities should be treated with more respect.
What Samay Raina Said About Shaktimaan
Samay Raina announces first India tour after Youtube show controversy, says "the love is unreal"
During the special, Samay joked about the old criticism that children used to imitate Shaktimaan’s stunts, including jumping off rooftops believing the superhero would save them. He also took a swipe at Mukesh Khanna for criticising him during previous controversies. The comments immediately sparked backlash from fans of Shaktimaan and from Mukesh Khanna himself.Mukesh Khanna’s Angry ResponseMukesh Khanna reacted strongly on social media and shared a series of harsh posts aimed at Samay Raina. In one of his posts, he called the comedian “kutte ki dum,” suggesting that no matter how much someone tries to change, they remain the same. He also described Samay as someone “burnt in the fire of filth” and accused him of insulting the values represented by Shaktimaan.
The Donkey Image That Went ViralThe controversy escalated further when Mukesh Khanna shared an AI-generated image showing Samay Raina sitting on a donkey with his face blackened and a garland around his neck. In his caption, Khanna suggested that the comedian should be publicly humiliated for mocking Shaktimaan. The image quickly went viral and became one of the most discussed parts of the feud.
Internet Divided Over The ControversySocial media users have been sharply divided over the clash. Some people supported Mukesh Khanna and argued that national icons like Shaktimaan deserve respect. Others defended Samay Raina and said comedians should have the freedom to joke about public figures and old television shows. Many users felt Mukesh Khanna’s reaction was too extreme and accused him of taking comedy too seriously.
“Imagine Chris Evans slamming somebody for making a joke on Captain America.” Why Shaktimaan Remains A Sensitive TopicShaktimaan was one of India’s biggest television shows during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The series aired for 450 episodes and made Mukesh Khanna a household name. Over the years, the character became deeply associated with childhood nostalgia, moral lessons, and superhero culture in India. Because of that emotional connection, criticism or jokes about Shaktimaan often trigger strong reactions from fans and from Mukesh Khanna himself.
Bigger Debate Around Comedy And Free Speech
View this post on InstagramA post shared by ETimes (@etimes)
READ NEXT
-
Mumbai Indians not concerned with lack of wickets for Jasprit Bumrah, says Kieron Pollard
-
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya plans mass campaign to build 2030 CWG momentum
-
It will take a lot of effort to envision that: Shreyas on maiden IPL title for PBKS
-
'Wouldn't be appropriate to assume that crisis has completely ended': Rajnath Singh on US-Iran ceasefire
-
10 killed, 25 injured in multi-vehicle collision in Bihar's Katihar
