Actor Govinda has issued an apology following comments made by his wife, Sunita Ahuja, about his family priest, Pandit Mukesh Shukla, during a recent podcast. The actor emphasised that he did not endorse the remarks. He stated that Pandit Mukesh and his family have always provided him with support and hold a place of great respect in his life.
In the video statement, Govinda said, "My wife made disparaging remarks against Pandit Mukesh Shukla on the podcast and I condemn them. My deepest apologies... Pandit Mukesh Shukla and his family have been with me in tough times, and I respect him a
lot."
During a conversation with Paras Chhabra on his YouTube channel, Sunita had earlier said, "We also have one in our house, Govinda’s pandit (priest). He is also like this only – get pujas (prayers) done, give Rs 2 lakhs. I tell him that you should pray on your own, unka karaaya hua puja paath kuch kaam nahi aane wala hai (their rituals are not going to work for you)."
"God will accept the prayers that you do on your own. I don’t believe in all this. Even if I donate or do any good deed, I do it with my own hands for my karma. Darne wala darr jaata hai (The one who is used to fear will fear)," she continued.