Javed Akhtar backs Mammootty-Mohanlal bond: 'Beyond the understanding of petty people'

In response to the criticism that Mohanlal prayed at Sabarimala on behalf of Mammootty, Javed Akhtar stated that the friendship between the two stars was too strong for "small-minded, narrow-minded, petty, and negative people" to comprehend.

Javed Akhtar Praises Mammootty and Mohanlal's friendship in a social media post

Akhtar wrote on his X page that it would be wonderful if every Mammootty in India had a friend like Mohanlal, and vice versa. Some tiny, dimwitted, self-centred, pessimistic individuals clearly don't get their enormous friendship, but who gives a hoot?

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His tweet read, "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? (sic)"

Sabarimala controversy

A controversy has arisen about Mohanlal's recent visit to Sabarimala, where he reportedly prayed for fellow actor Mammootty. Mohanlal gave a note to the temple priest on March 18, during the "Usha puja," stating that Mammootty's birth name was Muhammed Kutty and his birth star was Vishakham. Subsequently, a receipt proving these facts from the Devaswom office went viral.

Managing the properties of Hindu temples in Kerala is the responsibility of devaswom boards, which are independent entities under the state government. People's reactions to Mohanlal's gesture were all over the map. Some hailed it as a sign of unity among faiths, while others said it went against Islamic principles to pray for a Muslim's behalf.

Mohanlal downplays the issue

When asked about the issue over Mammootty's inclusion in a puja in Sabarimala, Mohanlal played it off. He told NDTV in Mumbai that he had submitted the names and stars of Mammootty and his family as well.

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Mohanlal had previously stated that performing prayers for Mammootty was perfectly OK because rites are a private matter. It was after the actor had a small health setback, he said, that the puja was performed.

Prithviraj Sukumaran, who was in attendance with Mohanlal, mentioned that they had done something similar before. He mentioned that the news had covered the incident this time.

Mammootty’s support for L2: Empuraan

Meanwhile, ahead of the theatrical release of L2: Empuraan, Mammootty took to his X page and wished the team luck. He wrote, "Best wishes to the entire cast and crew of #Empuraan for a historic victory! Hope it crosses boundaries across the world and makes the entire Malayalam industry proud. Rooting for you, dear Lal and Prithvi."

To which Mohanlal replied, "Some moments just hit different… When it comes from my brother, it becomes priceless. Thank you, Ichakka. This means a lot! @mammukka"

Moreover, before Thursday's theatrical release of L2: Empuraan, Mohanlal on Wednesday thanked fans all across the world for their supportiveness.

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