Mammootty Faces Criticism Over Tilak

Malayalam superstar Mammootty’s video from Gujarat, where he was welcomed with a traditional tilak, has sparked discussion on social media. Mammootty had travelled to Gujarat to receive the National Film Award, and during his visit to the Statue of Unity area, he was welcomed with a bouquet, a tricolour shawl and a tilak on his forehead. While Mammootty accepted the gesture with a smile, some social media users questioned the practice by referring to his religious identity.

Malayalam actor and director Harisree Yusuf responded to the criticism, describing the critics as people who should not think like “frogs in a well.” He said Mammootty is an artist with a broad outlook and that every cultural gesture need not be viewed only through a religious lens. Yusuf also said that welcoming a guest with a tilak as part of local tradition is a customary gesture. He stressed that religion should bring people together and encourage people to become better human beings rather than create divisions. Mammootty recently received his fourth National Award for Best Actor for his performance in Bramayugam.