A controversy has erupted after Malayalam superstar Mohanlal offered prayers at Sabarimala for fellow actor Mammootty, with critics questioning the gesture on religious grounds. Some have argued that as a Muslim, Mammootty should not have had a Hindu ritual performed on his behalf, while others have defended it as an act of goodwill.
Mohanlal, currently promoting his film L2: Empuraan, visited Sabarimala on March 18 and participated in the &ldquo;Usha puja&rdquo;. He submitted a note to the priest mentioning Mammootty&rsquo;s birth name, Muhammed Kutty, and his birth star, Vishakham. A receipt issued by the Devaswom office confirming this went viral on social media, sparking debate.
While some hailed it as a gesture of communal harmony, others took issue with it. O Abdullah, an influencer and former editor of Madhyamam, called for Mammootty to clarify whether he had requested the prayers. Citing Islamic beliefs, he stated that a Muslim should pray only to Allah.
Mohanlal has dismissed the controversy, reiterating that prayers are personal. Speaking to the media in Mumbai, he confirmed submitting Mammootty&rsquo;s name along with those of his own family members.
&ldquo;Fortunately or unfortunately, it came out,&rdquo;&nbsp;he said.
Filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran, who was with Mohanlal during the interview, added, &ldquo;This is not the first time either of us has done something like this. This time, it made it to the news.&rdquo;
Mohanlal also spoke about his long-standing friendship with Mammootty, noting that they have acted together in over 50 films. &ldquo;We used to meet every week. We had a phone call every two-three days. We are really good friends,&rdquo;&nbsp;he said.
Addressing concerns over Mammootty&rsquo;s health, Mohanlal clarified that he had offered prayers after reports of a minor health issue. &ldquo;He is recovering well. There is no worry,&rdquo;&nbsp;he assured.
The leak of the puja receipt has raised questions. Mohanlal suggested at a Chennai event that it may have been leaked by an official of the Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the Sabarimala shrine. The board, however, denied any wrongdoing, stating that the leaked document was from the devotee&rsquo;s copy and that there was no lapse on their part.
Meanwhile, reports of Mammootty being diagnosed with cancer surfaced online, but his team dismissed them as &ldquo;fake news&rdquo;.&nbsp;According to a statement to the media, he is on a break for Ramzan, observing fasting, and his shooting schedule is temporarily on hold.
&nbsp;

Mohanlal participated in the 'Usha puja' at Sabarimala on March 18

Prayer receipt leak fuels debate on faith, tradition, and celebrity friendships

Mohanlal’s Sabarimala Puja for Mammootty Sparks Row

Prayer receipt leak fuels debate on faith, tradition, and celebrity friendships

March 26, 2025 | 16:10 IST