Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar says he is “upset and sorry” after he posted offensive comments claiming Muslims have “terrorised” Hindus for thousands of years on Twitter.

The celebrity chef, who has two restaurants in Bucks – Sindhu in Marlow and Hawkyns in Amersham - is reported to have been fired by the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai following the comments.

In comments aimed at actress Priyanka Chopra, he wrote: “It’s sad to see that you have not respected the sentiments of Hindus who have been terrorized by Islam over 2000 years. Shame on You,”

His comments were a reaction to a controversial episode of American television show Quantico, in which Chopra stars, which depicted a terrorist plot thought up by Hindu nationalists.

He has since deleted the tweet and has now apologised for his “major error”.

In a statement on the social media platform, he said: “I would like to apologise unreservedly to my Muslim friends, the Islamic community and everyone I have offended with my recent tweets. They were insensitive and wrong.

“My work and my restaurants are defined by a passion to unite cultures through food, love and understanding.

“I have let myself and my colleagues down. I am upset and sorry for the pain I have caused and ask for your forgiveness.”

In another tweet, he said: “There is no justification for my tweet, a major error made in the heat of the moment on Sunday,

“I fully recognise my inaccuracies that Islam was founded around 1,400 years ago and I sincerely apologise.

“I am not Islamophobic, I deeply regret my comments that have offended many.”

The JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, which houses his Rang Mahal restaurant, and has reportedly sacked Mr Kochhar, said they were aware of the comments, adding: “We would like to stress that we do not share the same views as stated in the remark, nor is it a representation of the culture of diversity and inclusion that we pride ourselves on at the hotel.”

The chef – who has recently appeared on the BBC’s Million Dollar Menu and starred at Tom Kerridge's Pub in the Park in Marlow last year – has received backlash from angry fans on social media, who said the comments were “full of hate”.