If Superman’s cinematic revival turns him into a Christ figure, surely there exists a Hindu comic book superhero. I speak, of course, of Shaktimaan, whose lotus and Star of David strike spiritual calm and peace into the hearts of evildoers everywhere. And this genius is only nine years old:

… Shaktimaan is… an Indian television superhero created by Mukesh Khanna and shown on Doordarshan, India’s national television network, beginning [in] 1997. [Link]

He beats evil into submission with his long middle names:

Khanna plays the role of Shaktimaan and his alter-ego Pandit Gangadhar Vidyadhar Mayadhar [Omkarnath] Shastri, a photographer for the Aaj Ki Awaaz newspaper.

Like Superman, Shaktimaan is superhumanly strong, has the ability to fly, and is invulnerable to injury. He received his powers from seven gurus who trained and blessed him with “yogic shakti“… Shaktimaan has unlimited powers which lies in his five kundaliniyams attained through meditation. Shaktimaan worships God through the symbol Om…

Mukesh Khanna is ‘An Ideal Boy‘ in velvet pants:

He is a defender of truth and justice… even going so far as to lecture viewers on hygiene, patriotism [and] education. [Link]

His Judeo-velvet empire includes comic books (here he is beating on Rishi Kapoor)…

… and mobile games:

Diana thinks he dresses like a gay biker from the ’70s. It’s hard to argue when he’s got Siegfried & Roy’s cats on a leash:

In this clip, the Man of Gold Tinfoil, whose symbol is the original Judeo-Hindu alliance, lectures kids not to try dangerous stunts or they’ll break their bones:

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