Mukesh Khanna was born on 23 June 1958 in Bombay, Maharashtra, India. He studied at St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, and later trained at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.
He began his acting career in the 1980s and appeared in several Hindi films. His major breakthrough came with B. R. Chopra's Mahabharat (1988–1990), in which he portrayed Bhishma Pitamah. The role established him as one of the most recognizable television actors in India.
Mukesh Khanna achieved even greater popularity with Shaktimaan (1997–2005). He played both the superhero Shaktimaan and his alter ego Gangadhar and also created and produced the series through his production company, Bheeshm International. The show became one of India's most popular children's television programs.
Along with television, Khanna has appeared in numerous Hindi films and has worked as an actor, producer, writer, and director. His notable screen work includes Mahabharat, Shaktimaan, and films such as Hera Pheri, Barsaat, Tahqiqaat, and International Khiladi.