Govinda has to stay in the hospital for a few days, police confiscate revolver after it misfires

Govinda will remain in the hospital for a few more days and has been advised to take a month's rest

Mumbai:

Popular actor Govinda suffered a gunshot wound to his leg this morning when his licensed revolver misfired. The 60-year-old actor was rushed to Criticare Hospital near his home in Juhu with a wound below his knee and was admitted to the intensive care unit. The bullet was removed after an hour-long operation, but Govinda may remain in hospital for a few more days.

According to his manager Shashi Sinha, Govinda was preparing to leave for the airport for a trip to Kolkata when the incident occurred. “We had to catch a 6am flight to a show in Kolkata and I had reached the airport. Govinda ji was leaving his residence for the airport when this accident happened,” said the actor’s manager. “It is due to the grace of God that Govinda ji only sustained a leg injury and it was nothing serious,” he added.

Govinda's wife Sunita Ahuja was in Kolkata and the actor was home alone. Ms Ahuja traveled to Mumbai as soon as she heard about the incident.

According to his manager, Govinda was keeping his licensed revolver in a cupboard when he dropped the weapon and it exploded. The actor called his wife and manager. The manager rushed to his house. Shortly afterwards, the police arrived and the actor was taken to the hospital. Later, his daughter Tina Ahuja reached the hospital.

Dr. Ramesh Agarwal, who performed the operation, said the bullet was removed and Govinda's condition was stable. The actor will be discharged in three to four days but needs rest for about a month, the doctor said.

The actor released an audio message to fans from the hospital. He said the blessings of his fans, parents and guru saved him. “I was hit by a bullet but it was removed. “I thank the doctors here and your prayers,” he said in the audio clip.

Several family members and well-wishers of the actor reached the hospital after coming to know about the incident. His brother Kirti Kumar said: “He has strong willpower and said he wanted to be home tonight. But he has to stay in the hospital for two to three days.” He thanked Govinda’s fans for their firm support.

Vinay Anand, Govinda's nephew, said: “The blessings of fans across the world are with him. He could have died, but he's fine now. He laughed. He told me that God's grace saved him and the bullet could have hit him.” He said Bajrang Bali saved him.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde called Govinda, also a Shiv Sena leader, to check on him. “I have personally reached out to Govinda to express my deep concern over his health condition. On behalf of the government and people of our state, I wish him a speedy and full recovery,” Mr Shinde said in a statement. “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.”

According to reports, Govinda had not filed a police report beforehand. But police confiscated his weapon and launched an investigation into the incident. Security measures have been tightened at the hospital.