Mohanlal and Mammootty have done over 50 films together and share a friendship lasting over 45 years. (Image-Instagram/mohanlal)
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal recently offered prayers for his friend and veteran actor Mammootty at the Sabarimala temple. The incident has now sparked controversy after certain Muslim community leaders raised objections.
But why should an actor offering prayer for his friend ignite objections and become controversial? Here is all you need to know about the issue.
On March 18, Mohanlal, who has been extensively promoting his upcoming sequel L2: Empuraan, went to Sabarimala to offer prayers. The actor performed a Usha Puja in the name of Mammootty. In order to perform the puja, he also reportedly gave a note to the priest that mentioned Mammooty’s birth name, Muhammed Kutty and his birth star as Vishakham.
Read Also: What Did Mammootty Say About Empuraan Teaser?
But unexpectedly, the receipt issued by the Devaswom office mentioning these details went viral on social media. While many accepted this gesture of the actor as an example of strong friendship and communal harmony, others criticised his action.
At the same time, another section pointed out the incident as a contradiction to Islamic principles, since Mammootty is a Muslim.
Notably, O Abdulla, an influencer and the former editor of Jamathee Islami’s publication Madhyamam, raised concerns about the prayer offering and demanded Mammootty apologisee if he had asked Mohanlal to offer prayers on his behalf. He quoted Islamic laws to say that only Allah should be prayed to by someone who follows the Islamic faith. Abdulla also made a social media post regarding the issue; however, after receiving criticism, he withdrew the post.
What did Mohanlal Say?
Even though Mohanlal brushed aside the controversy, he addressed the issue in his recent interaction with the media. When asked about this issue, the actor revealed that he gave Mammootty’s name and star for the puja at Sabarimala, along with that of his family. He said that fortunately or unfortunately, it came out. He also added that it was a very personal gesture of him, to pray for his friend and there was nothing wrong with it.
Prithviraj also added that this was not the first time either of them had done something like this, but this time, it made it to the news.
Travancore Devaswom Board on the Leaked Receipt
When asked about how the receipt got leaked, Mohanlal had suggested at a Chennai event that it could have been done by an official of the Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the Lord Ayyapa shrine in Sabarimala.
The Travancore board, however, denied the same stating Mohanlal’s statement led to a misunderstanding and that their officials were not at fault.
On Tuesday, the board clarified the receipt that got leaked was from the devotee’s copy and there was no lapse on their part.
Mohanlal and Mammooty’s 40 years of Friendship
Actors Mohanlal and Mammooty, being the two icons of the Malayalam film industry, share an inspiring bond of friendship. About their heartwarming tale of friendship, the L2: Empuraan star said that he has done over 50 films with him and that they have been very good friends for over 45 years. He even added, “We used to meet every week. We had a phone call every two or three days.”
Admiring their friendship, Prithviraj also shared that Mammootty, known for his strict household rules, makes an exception only for one person—Mohanlal.
