Tarun Khanna on reprising Mahadev: I consciously choose these roles
Synopsis
Tarun Khanna breaks down why he keeps landing the same role: Mahadev is the most powerful character on screen, period. He admits to typecasting but frames it as a deliberate choice rooted in character strength, not limitation. His refusal of Indra and his critique of VFX-heavy shows lacking emotional depth reveal an actor thinking strategically about which divine roles serve his craft.
Key Takeaways
Tarun Khanna acknowledged being typecast as Lord Mahadev but stated he consciously accepts these roles.
He believes Mahadev is the most powerful character in any narrative, making it a natural choice for actors.
Khanna initially refused the role of Indra in Shiv Shakti due to personal and professional reasons before eventually accepting.
He emphasized that emotional depth matters more than VFX in mythological shows; many have failed despite heavy visual effects.
Khanna argued that repeated casting in the same role signals audience approval and performer credibility.
Television actor Tarun Khanna, known for multiple portrayals of Lord Mahadev, has acknowledged being typecast in the role while emphasizing that he deliberately accepts such characters. Speaking exclusively to IANS in May 2024, Khanna explained the reasoning behind his repeated casting in mythological deity roles.
On typecast and conscious choice
When asked whether he felt typecast, Khanna admitted the reality while defending his position. "There is no doubt about that. And honestly, I also choose these roles consciously," he said. He elaborated that evaluating character strength is crucial for an actor, and finding a role more powerful than Mahadev is exceptionally difficult. "No matter what the story is, Mahadev will always be the most powerful presence. So, by default, I tend to accept such roles whenever they are offered to me," Khanna noted.
The Indra role decision
When queried about initially refusing the role of Indra in Shiv Shakti, Khanna clarified that he was offered the deity's part, not Mahadev. He revealed multiple factors behind his initial hesitation: personal connections, professional pressures, and his relationship with the production house. "Swastik Productions is like family to me, so I eventually agreed," he explained. However, he found the character misaligned with his sensibilities, stating that after portraying Mahadev, connecting with a character like Indra proved challenging.
VFX versus emotional authenticity
Khanna addressed the mythological television industry's reliance on visual effects and elaborate costumes. He argued that while VFX can enhance scenes, emotional authenticity remains paramount. "Many mythological shows have failed despite heavy VFX because they lacked emotional depth," he observed. He contended that repeated casting in the same role signals audience approval and performer credibility. "If I have been asked to play the same character repeatedly, it means people believe I am doing justice to it. Otherwise, why would anyone cast the same person again and again?" he reasoned.
The character beyond costume
Khanna emphasized that Mahadev transcends mere visual presentation. "Mahadev is not just a costume—it is a divine character that requires sincerity," he concluded, underscoring the spiritual and emotional dimensions necessary for authentic portrayal in mythological narratives.
Point of View
Which is partly credible. Mahadev roles do offer visual and narrative dominance. But the deeper insight is that Indian mythological television remains creatively narrow: actors get locked into deity slots because production houses play it safe with what works. Khanna's critique of emotion-over-VFX is sound, yet the irony is that his own repeated Mahadev casting may itself be symptomatic of that creative conservatism. True range would mean refusing the typecast entirely.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Tarun Khanna been typecast as Lord Mahadev?
Yes, Tarun Khanna acknowledged being typecast in the role of Lord Mahadev. However, he emphasized that he consciously chooses these roles because Mahadev is the most powerful character in any narrative, making it a deliberate artistic decision rather than a limitation.
Why did Tarun Khanna initially refuse the Indra role in Shiv Shakti?
Khanna was offered the role of Indra, not Mahadev, and initially refused due to personal connections, professional pressure, and his relationship with Swastik Productions. He eventually accepted because of his bond with the production house, but later felt the character did not align with his sensibilities after playing Mahadev.
What is Tarun Khanna's view on VFX in mythological shows?
Khanna believes that while VFX can enhance scenes, emotional authenticity is paramount. He noted that many mythological shows have failed despite heavy visual effects because they lacked emotional depth, arguing that sincerity in character portrayal matters more than costume and VFX.
Why do makers repeatedly cast Tarun Khanna as Mahadev?
According to Khanna, repeated casting signals that audiences and makers believe he does justice to the character. He argues that Mahadev is inherently the most powerful presence in any story, making it a natural and strategic role choice for actors who excel in portraying divine characters.
