Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has extended his support to Malayalam superstars Mohanlal and Mammootty amid the controversy surrounding Mohanlal’s recent prayers at the Sabarimala temple. The issue arose after it was revealed that Mohanlal had included Mammootty’s name in his prayers during the temple visit.
In response to the backlash, Javed Akhtar dismissed the criticism, emphasizing that their friendship transcends narrow-minded negativity. He expressed a wish that everyone could experience such a genuine bond, highlighting the strength and depth of their relationship despite the controversy.
Mohanlal’s visit to the revered Sabarimala temple on March 18 led to heated discussions after a receipt from the Devaswom office went viral, confirming that he had submitted a note with Mammootty’s birth name, Muhammed Kutty, and his birth star, Vishakham. The revelation stirred mixed reactions on social media, with some lauding the gesture as a sign of unity and others questioning whether offering Hindu prayers on behalf of a Muslim contradicts Islamic beliefs.
Responding to the backlash, Mohanlal downplayed the controversy, stating that prayers are a deeply personal matter and that he had included Mammootty’s name alongside those of his own family members. He clarified that the puja was conducted after Mammootty experienced a minor health setback, and there was nothing unusual about his actions. Filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran, who was present with Mohanlal at the temple, noted that such prayers had been offered before, but this time, they caught public attention.
Javed Akhtar took to X (formerly Twitter) to defend the actors, expressing admiration for their bond. He remarked that their friendship is beyond the comprehension of “small, narrow-minded, petty, and negative people,” adding that every person should be fortunate enough to have a friendship like theirs. His statement resonated with many fans and industry members, who praised the camaraderie between the two iconic actors.
The controversy highlights the broader discourse on religious practices and communal harmony in India. While some critics argue that religious traditions should be strictly followed, others see such gestures as steps toward greater unity. The incident has also sparked debates about the role of faith in personal relationships and whether religious boundaries should dictate human bonds.
Meanwhile, Mohanlal remains focused on his professional commitments. Ahead of the release of his much-anticipated film L2: Empuraan, the actor expressed gratitude to fans worldwide for their unwavering support. As discussions over his temple visit continue, Mohanlal’s fans and well-wishers continue to back him, reinforcing the idea that personal beliefs and friendships should not be subject to public scrutiny.
