A major controversy has erupted after Malayalam superstar Mohanlal offered prayers at Sabarimala for his friend and superstar Mammootty earlier this month.
Critics have said that Mammootty is a Muslim, and Mohanlal must apologize if the 'puja' was done at his instance.
Mohanlal, who had offered prayers at Sabarimala on March 18, had given the name Mammootty, whose birth name is Muhammed Kutty, and his birth star 'Vishakham' to the priest for performing the 'Usha Puja.' Mohanlal defended his decision and said that prayers are personal, and the puja was held after there were reports that Mammootty was unwell.
Mohanlal's Malayalam film 'L2: Empuraan' released in theaters today (March 27).
A receipt issued by the Devaswom office, which has the name Mammootty, went viral on social media, and it created a storm.
While many have praised it as a sign of communal harmony, others have pointed out that Mammootty is a Muslim and that Hindu prayers are against Islamic principles.
Malayalam superstars Mohanlal and Mammootty are close friends, and the actor has now dismissed the controversy. Mohanlal told NDTV he had given Mammootty's name and star for the puja at Sabarimala, along with that of his family. "Fortunately, or unfortunately, it came out," he said.
Mohanlal had also said there was nothing wrong in offering prayers for a friend and that is a very personal thing.
When asked how the receipt got leaked, Mohanlal said it could've been done by an official of the Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the Lord Ayyapa shrine in Sabarimala.
However, this statement of Mohanlal was rejected by the Travancore Board, who said that their personnel were not at blame and that his statement caused a misunderstanding.
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