Daijiworld Media Network - Kochi
Kochi, Sep 27: Malayalam actor and filmmaker Harisree Yousuf has come out in support of veteran actor Mammootty after a video showing him being welcomed with a tilak at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Gujarat drew criticism on social media.
Mammootty was honoured with the Best Actor award for his performance as Kodumon Potti in Rahul Sadasivan's Bramayugam. He shared the honour with Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan, who won for Chandu Champion. President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards at the ceremony held at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on September 22.
A video posted on the Statue of Unity's social media page shows Mammootty arriving at the venue in a white shirt and cream-coloured trousers. He is welcomed with a bouquet before a woman applies a tilak on his forehead and places a tricolour thorthu, or shoulder cloth, around his neck.
The video received numerous congratulatory comments following Mammootty's National Award win. However, some social media users questioned why the actor, who is a Muslim, allowed a tilak to be applied to his forehead.
Responding to the criticism, Yousuf said most Malayalis had celebrated Mammootty's achievement, but one social media user had chosen to criticise the actor over the tilak. He described the commenter as a "frog in a well" and said people should have a broader understanding of different religious practices.
Yousuf said different forms of religious expression can be directed towards the same God. He cited drawing a cross, applying a tilak or bowing down in prayer as examples, and said applying a tilak can also be a traditional way of welcoming a guest.
He criticised the use of religion to abuse people on social media and said religious beliefs should not be used to create divisions. Instead, he said, religion should encourage people to become better human beings.
"India is a great country. It is people like you who create communal division. Don't do anything like this again," Yousuf said while responding to the criticism.
Yousuf also highlighted Mammootty's contributions to society, including his charitable activities and support for organisations involved in healthcare and free medical treatment.
Mammootty's latest National Award marks his fourth Best Actor National Film Award. He had previously received the honour for Mathilukal and Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha in 1990, Ponthan Mada and Vidheyan in 1994, and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in 1999.
The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony was held outside New Delhi for the first time, with Ekta Nagar chosen as the venue against the backdrop of the Statue of Unity. Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, while Article 370 was named Best Feature Film and Yami Gautam won Best Actress.
On the work front, Mammootty has appeared in the spy-action film Patriot and has projects lined up in both Tamil and Malayalam cinema.