Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, best known for his legendary portrayal of Bhishma Pitamah in Mahabharat, has never been one to sugarcoat his opinions. In a recent explosive interaction, Khanna launched a scathing attack on what he sees as the moral and cultural decline of today’s younger generation.
“When I go to events or gatherings, youngsters hesitate to approach me. They get scared because I am strict,” he admitted. “But once they start talking, they realise I can be a friend too. I like disciplined kids, unfortunately, today’s generation is full of brats.”
According to Khanna, the problem runs deeper than just attitude, it’s about a loss of cultural roots. “If today’s kids don’t know who brought the Sanjeevani booti in the Ramayan, it’s not their fault alone, it’s their family’s fault. It’s the fault of their sanskruti (culture). Parents are failing to pass on knowledge and values.”
The actor warned that modern youngsters have stopped listening to those who should guide them. “They don’t listen to family members, teachers, or elders. The only thing they listen to is Google.”
Khanna even questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious vision of India becoming a “youth country” in the next 25 years. “Modi ji says we will be a youth nation. But does our youth have the education and knowledge needed to lead? Right now, many are more focused on social media, drugs, alcohol, parties, things that bring no glory to our nation.”
Drawing from the Mahabharat, Khanna made a powerful comparison: “Being young is not enough. A yuva has to be like Arjun: disciplined, focused, and righteous, not like Duryodhan: arrogant and destructive.”
The actor believes the solution lies in going back to India’s educational roots. “I have suggested bringing back the Gurukul system. Alongside that, we must revive Sanskrit and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The Gita contains the very meaning of life, but only a few can truly understand it. That knowledge can shape a better generation.”
Khanna didn’t spare the entertainment industry either. “Today’s producers complain that audiences don’t value quality content. I say, give them quality content! If you keep serving them negativity in the name of TRPs, what else do you expect? You are shaping the mindset of the nation’s youth through your shows.”
With his trademark bluntness, Mukesh Khanna has once again sparked heated discussions, this time over the role of parents, educators, leaders, and the media in shaping India’s future generation. Whether people agree with him or not, his words are forcing the country to look in the mirror.
