Kerala's Minority Welfare Minister, V Abdurahiman, has strongly condemned communal remarks made by certain individuals regarding actor Mohanlal’s offering at the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple on behalf of fellow actor Mammootty.
Calling for an apology from those responsible for spreading such divisive rhetoric, Abdurahiman stated that such narrow-minded and regressive statements tarnish Kerala’s deep-rooted secular values. “Those making irresponsible remarks without understanding the inclusive spirit of our society are a disgrace to the state,” he was quoted as saying by PTI.
Minister responds to the controversy around Mohanlal's Sabarimala visit
Abdurahiman further urged religious scholars to denounce such inflammatory narratives. “These comments are designed to vilify a particular religion and disrupt communal harmony. If left unchecked, they will only serve to fuel dangerous polarisation in Kerala’s society,” he warned.
He also called for public vigilance against those who misinterpret religious principles to spread intolerance. Citing previous instances, he remarked, “We recently saw a religious leader reprimanding an elderly Muslim woman for traveling to Munnar with her children, branding it sinful. There have also been efforts to obstruct students from attending study tours. Such regressive attitudes must be resisted.”
Controversy surrounding Mohanlal’s offering
The controversy erupted after Mohanlal made an offering at the Sabarimala temple for Mammootty’s well-being during his pilgrimage to the revered hill shrine on March 18. The situation escalated when a receipt confirming the offering surfaced online and quickly went viral. Some critics argued that since Mammootty is a Muslim, he should clarify whether he had personally requested Mohanlal to perform the ritual.
What Mohanlal said about praying for Mammootty
When Mohanlal was asked about his prayers in an event, the superstar said, “Why must I say that out? I went to Sabarimala and offered prayers for him. Somebody in the Devaswom board there leaked that receipt to the press. Why should I tell that out? It is all very personal, isn't it? Why should you tell about somebody for whom you pray?”
Mohanlal then went on to say, “There are a lot of people who say that 'I will pray for you' but will be talking about something else. If you say, you will pray for someone, you must pray. He (Mammootty) is my friend. There is nothing wrong. I can pray for you as well.”
Javed Akhtar backs the actors’ bond
Amid the growing debate, renowned lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar also voiced his support, emphasizing the purity of their camaraderie. “I wish every Mammootty of India had a friend like Mohanlal, and every Mohanlal had a friend like Mammootty. It is obvious that their great friendship is beyond the understanding of some small, narrow-minded, petty, and negative people—but who cares?” he wrote.