Mukesh
Khanna
Producer, Bheeshm International
By:
Seema Pherwani
Mukesh
Khanna is a perfect blend of `creativity
and business acumen.' As he narrates us
the story of his life, along with his various
hits and misses; what strikes out is Khanna
definitely knows how to position himself
and his company for that matter.
With
a wonderful smile on his face, as he continues
to munch on some cool cucumbers to beat
the summer heat, he says, "people still
call me Bheeshma Pitamaha and of
course my home production Shaktimaan
continues to have a very high recall value."
While flipping through some of his favourite
books he continues, "I simply love
to juggle my life as a actor and producer,
but I also make sure that I don't take on
too many projects at a time. Currently,
I am planning a daily soap on DD and also
an animated film based on Shaktimaan."
I
grew up playing marbles & hututu
Born
and brought up in Bombay, I studied at Marwadi
Vidyalaya, a Hindi medium school near
Opera house in South Mumbai. I had a wonderful
and carefree childhood. After returning
from school, I used to just throw my school
bag and rush out to play marbles and hututu.
Life was different then, children had to
face no stress. Nowadays, it's all about
tuitions, studies and computer classes.
I
feel very sad for children in today's environment
who are unfortunately caught up in the rat
race. Even mothers are caught up in the
syndrome - Teri saree meri saree se safed
kyon hai.' I strongly feel that children
should be allowed to do what they are good
at. It's important that children are prepared
for the exam of life than school exams.
I
never wanted to be an actor
After school I went on to do my BSc from
St Xaviers college. I had also applied for
admission in an engineering college from
Kanpur. But, I lost the seat due by a mere
0.5 per cent. Since, I was free for a year,
my brother suggested that I try my luck
on stage. In those days, Kader Khan and
even Amrish Puri used to act on stage. So,
I managed to bag a role and got a chance
to perform on stage.
On
turning a producer
Producing Shaktimaan was
very hectic and left me very little time
for my acting assigments. Now, I am also
planning a daily soap on DD which is almost
ready for telecast. Besides this, I am also
in the process of planning an animated film
based on Shaktimaan. But then, I love acting
and in fact I even had an offer to act in
Bhojpuri film.
It was in my destiny to say Ayushmanbhav
 I
had read Mahabharat at a very young age,
so I was familiar with all the characters
in it. One fine day, I got a call from Gufi
asking me to act in Mahabharat. Since, it
was one of my favourite subjects, I said
would love to take it up. I was shorlisted
to act as Duryodhan but somehow, I felt
that I was not meant to be a villian.
Later
it was Dronacharya, but then it was in my
destiny to say Ayushmanbhav. After
15 days of shooting, I was asked by the
Chopras to play the role of Bheeshma
Pitamah. I knew, it was a strong role
but that time I was unaware that it would
be a pillar of the whole serial.
Now
I live two lives
After
playing the role of Bheeshma Pitamah,
I also got associated with the BJP.
Now, I live two lives. Whenever I go for
campaigning for the BJP, they introduce
me to the crowd saying Badon ke Pitamah
aur choton ke Shaktimaan aa gaye.
My health mantra
Nowadays, I am on a strict diet, trying
to reduce my weight. Nomatter what time
I get up, I make it a point to finish my
exercises. I also prefer to have homemade
vegetarian food. i've a small kitchen in
my office where we often prepare lunch and
dinner.
I
hate pubs and parties
I
don't like to drink or smoke. I hate pubs
and parties. In fact, I prefer to spend
my evenings at home and Sundays sleeping.
My
Lifestyle
I lead a very simple life. I am not very
fond of gadgets. I believe in simple living
and high thinking. But the only thing that
I would like to buy someday is my dream
car i.e Mercedes.
Click
here for My life Archives
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