Sonakshi Sinha claps back at Mukesh Khanna over insensitive family remarks

Photo: Instagram/@aslisona

Actress Sonakshi Sinha has sharply responded to veteran actor Mukesh Khanna's recent remarks about her knowledge of the Indian ancient epic Ramayana. Mukesh Khanna, during a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, criticized Sonakshi for her inability to answer a question correctly on the popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati 11 in 2019. The question, which was about the Ramayana, asked for whom Hanuman brought the Sanjeevani booti. At that time, Sonakshi, despite being a well-known public figure, failed to answer the question correctly, which led to criticism.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel  

Mukesh Khanna, reflecting on the incident in his interview, placed the blame on Sonakshi's father, veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha. He questioned why Shatrughan had not instilled in his children a deeper knowledge of traditional texts like the Ramayana, suggesting that her lack of knowledge was due to her upbringing. He commented, “Why did you not tell your kids? Why did you let them be so modern?”

Sonakshi, understandably upset, took to Instagram to respond to the actor's remarks. In her Instagram Stories, she addressed Mukesh Khanna directly, expressing her dissatisfaction with his repetitive criticism. She said, “Dear Mukesh Khanna ji, I read your recent statement blaming my father for me not answering a question about the Ramayana correctly years ago. Firstly, let me remind you that there were two women on the hot seat that day who didn’t know the answer, but you keep singling me out for reasons that are quite evident.”

In her response, Sonakshi acknowledged her mistake, stating that forgetting the answer was a momentary human error. She then suggested that Mukesh Khanna should move on from the incident. “Yes, I blanked out that day – it happens to everyone. But it seems you have forgotten Lord Ram’s lessons of forgiveness and compassion,” she wrote, referring to the teachings of Lord Ram. She reminded Mukesh that if Lord Ram could forgive even those who wronged him, surely he could let go of this minor issue. Sonakshi further emphasized that while she didn’t need Mukesh’s forgiveness, she would appreciate it if he stopped using the incident to stay relevant in the media, thus dragging her family into unnecessary controversy.

Sonakshi also addressed Khanna’s comments about her upbringing, defending her family’s values and her father’s role in shaping her character. She stated, “The next time you feel compelled to comment on the values my father instilled in me, remember that it is because of those very values that I am responding to you respectfully, despite your unnecessary statements.” In a calm yet firm tone, Sonakshi concluded her post by wishing Mukesh well, signaling that she was not holding any grudges.

Mukesh Khanna’s comments about the incident were part of a broader discussion about today’s younger generation needing guidance, a point he made by referencing his character, Shaktimaan, the famous superhero from Indian television. He appeared to indirectly link this thought to Sonakshi’s inability to answer the question, implying that today’s youth, like her, lack the proper cultural education and values.

When further pressed about his remarks, Mukesh defended his position, claiming that it was Shatrughan Sinha's responsibility to ensure his children were familiar with their cultural roots and traditions. He maintained that such knowledge should have been passed down to them, especially given their public status.

Sonakshi Sinha, however, has made it clear that she will not tolerate any unnecessary attacks on her upbringing or her family. Her calm but assertive response has shown that she values respect, both for herself and for her loved ones, and will not allow her family’s name to be used in such a context for publicity.