FIle photo of Bollywood actor Govinda
Credit: PTI Photo
Mumbai: In a shocking incident, actor-politician Govinda Ahuja accidentally shot himself on his leg while handling his licensed pistol to secure it in a safe location before he was about to leave his Mumbai home to catch a flight to Kolkata.
The incident took place around 0445 hrs on Tuesday.
Govinda is admitted to the CritiCare Hospital at Andheri in Mumbai.
The Juhu police station is probing the incident.
What exactly happened is not yet clearly known.
Govinda’s manager Shashi Sinha said: “I was in my home and getting ready…I got a call from him that this happened.”
Sinha said that before leaving for Kolkata, he was keeping the pistol in the cupboard when it fell from his hand and accidentally fired.
Asked about the injury, Sinha said: “It hit below the knee.”
In a video message, Govinda said: "Hello, this is Govinda. With the blessings of my fans, my parents and God, I am doing better now. I was hit by a bullet, which has now been removed. I thank the doctor here, Dr Agarwal ji. I thank all of you for your prayers.”
The condition of Govinda has been described as stable, however, he would require two to three days of observation in hospital.
His wife, Sunita Ahuja, who was in Kolkata, has rushed back to Mumbai.
The 60-year-old actor, a former Congress MP from Mumbai North, has joined the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde before the Lok Sabha polls.
Shinde spoke to Govinda and inquired about his health.
"I have personally reached out to Govinda to convey my deep concern about his health condition. On behalf of the government and people of our state, I wish him a swift and complete recovery. I have assured Govinda that he and his family will receive all necessary support during this challenging time. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his loved ones. Govinda has been an iconic figure in Indian cinema and has brought joy to millions through his performances. We stand united in hoping for his quick return to good health.”