Singer Zubeen Garg Takes Pot Shot at Actor Govinda, Condemns Animal Sacrifice

Although it is still not known whether actor Govinda sacrificed an animal at the holy Kamakhya temple in Guwahati, his visit to the shrine has triggered a reaction from singer Zubeen Garg, who took a dig at him based on hearsay, claiming that the actor had sacrificed a buffalo. Zubeen said it would be wise to offer oneself as living sacrifice to God rather than killing animals in the name of religion.

“I heard Govinda had sacrificed a buffalo at this Shakti Peeth. Please offer yourself as a living sacrifice instead. Maa Kamakhya, or any other God would never wish for animal sacrifice,” said Zubeen during a stage performance at the temple premises on Monday.

Govinda was in Guwahati on May 27 to attend the ‘Prag Cine Awards North-East’ 2018 event held at the GMCH auditorium. Interestingly, he even honoured Zubeen at the presentation ceremony for winning the best popular actor (male) award for the Assamese movies Priyar Priyo and Mission China. Zubeen’s film Mission China also won the best popular film award at the same event.

Govinda visited the Kamakhya temple Sunday morning, and offered his prayers. The temple priests said that the actor is a strong believer in Goddess Kamakhya and visits the holy shrine several times a year, though they denied having witnessed any sacrificial ritual by the actor.

But Zubeen was of the opinion based on hearsay that Govinda had sacrificed a buffalo inside the holy temple. The popular Assamese singer went on to speak about his pet wild buffalo saying an animal that is loved can never be used as sacrificial offering. He called upon people to stop animal sacrifice in the name of religion, and spoke of his love for animals.

“I have purchased a buffalo for my next movie. I will cry and laugh with him, but can never imagine to sacrifice him. I had kept ducks as pets, and from that very instance, I stopped taking duck meat. I haven’t kept chickens yet, for then I would not be able to eat anything,” said Zubeen.

Fans cheered as the singer took to the stage at a function organized by the city-based organization, Friends Club, at the Nilachil Hills. Zubeen announced that he sang the Bollywood hit ‘Ya Ali’ at a Hindu temple, adding that music has no religion.