Malayalam superstar Mohanlal visited Sabarimala Temple earlier this month amid the promotions of his upcoming film L2: Empuraan. During his visit to the temple, he also offered prayers for his friend, actor Mammootty. This gesture grabbed eyeballs as it came amid rumours of the latter being diagnosed with colon cancer. It also sparked controversy as critics argued that since Mammootty is a Muslim, he should apologise if the ‘puja’ was performed at his request.
For those unversed, during ‘Usha puja’ at the temple on March 18, Mohanlal reportedly gave a note to the priest that mentioned Mammootty’s birth name, Muhammed Kutty, and his birth star ‘Vishakham’.
According to media reports, a receipt issued by the Devaswom office confirming the prayers went viral on social media. While some praised it as an example of communal harmony, others criticised it, arguing that as a Muslim, Mammootty should not have been associated with Hindu rituals.
Influencer and former editor of a newspaper, O Abdulla, also urged Mammootty to apologise if he had requested Mohanlal to perform the prayers on his behalf. Citing Islamic teachings, he stated that a follower of Islam should pray only to Allah.
“If it was with Mammootty’s knowledge, he should seek forgiveness. He should apologise to the Muslim community. It was a lapse from the side of the actor. There is nothing wrong if Mohanlal had performed the offering without Mammootty’s knowledge. Mohanlal’s faith in Lord Ayyappa must be that high. He may have done it based on that faith. However, if the offering was performed with Mammootty’s directive, then it’s a crime. According to Islamic beliefs, no one should offer anything to anyone except Allah,” he reportedly said.
Mohanlal reacts to controversy
Addressing the ongoing controversy and reacting to social media users attacking Mammootty, Mohanlal said at an event in Chennai, “What’s wrong in praying for him? He is doing well. He had a minor health issue, but that’s normal for everyone. There is nothing to worry about.”
The actor also stated that Mammootty is like his brother and added that someone from the Devaswom Board leaked the receipt of the puja offering on social media.
Temple authorities deny Mohanlal’s claim
Following Mohanlal’s allegation that a Devaswom board member leaked the receipt, the temple authorities responded with an official statement.
Reportedly, on March 25, the Travancore Devaswom Board clarified that only the devotees receive the receipt, while the staff retains the counterfoil. Addressing Mohanlal’s remark, they suggested it may have been a misunderstanding and expressed hope that he would rectify his statement.
Mohanlal offers prayers for Mammootty
Earlier, it was reported that Mohanlal spoke to Mammootty over a call before offering the prayers.
It came amid reports of Mammootty suffering from colon cancer. Reports also claimed that the actor took a break from his professional commitments to seek treatment.
However, his PR team reportedly denied the reports, and told Midday, “It is fake news. He is on vacation because he is fasting for Ramzan. He is on a break from his shoot schedule as well because of that. In fact, after the break he will go back to shooting for Mahesh Narayanan’s film with Mohanlal.”
Meanwhile, on the work front, Mohanlal is currently in Delhi with Prithviraj Sukumaran for the promotions of L2: Empuraan.
