Mammootty’s tilak video at National Awards event sparks criticism, director Harisree Yousuf defends actor: Love for our creator

Mammootty, one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated actors, has often been hailed for his remarkable contribution to the industry. This year, the actor received recognition from the Indian government after being honoured with a National Film Award for his performance in Bramayugam. However, a video of the actor receiving a traditional welcome at the awards ceremony has now gone viral. Mammootty was seen having a tilak applied to his forehead before entering the venue. Some netizens have questioned why he allowed the tilak despite being a Muslim. Filmmaker-actor Harisree Yousuf has now responded to the criticism and defended Mammootty.

Mammootty’s Tilak At National Film Awards Draws Criticism

A video shared by the Statue of Unity showed Mammootty arriving at the National Film Awards ceremony in Gujarat. Dressed in a white shirt and cream trousers, the actor was welcomed with a bouquet. A woman then applied a tilak to his forehead and placed a tri-colour cotton cloth around his neck.

Mammootty, who won the Best Actor award for his performance in director Rahul Sadasivan's Bramayugam, smiled during the welcome. While several fans celebrated his achievement, some social media users questioned the actor for allowing the tilak to be applied. The criticism got Harisree Yousuf to address the issue on Instagram. Referring to those questioning Mammootty’s decision, the filmmaker-actor said that people should not turn a traditional gesture into a religious controversy.

Harisree Yousuf Defends Mammootty

Yousuf mentioned that different forms of worship ultimately express devotion to God. He mentioned that applying a tilak can also be part of a traditional welcome and should not automatically be interpreted as a statement about one's religious identity. “You draw a cross, apply a tilak, or bow down and pray; it is all directed towards God. It shows love for our Creator,” he said.

The filmmaker-actor also criticised those using religion to attack others online. He mentioned that religious beliefs should not be used to create divisions and called for people to focus on becoming better human beings. Addressing one user directly, Yousuf said, “India is a great country. It is people like you who create communal division. Don’t do anything like this again.”

Meanwhile, Mammootty spoke about his fourth National Film Award and called the recognition as an inspiration. He credited the directors, technicians, co-stars, producers and audiences who have been part of his long career. “I am happy that I have been able to entertain people for so long. I will continue to work hard and keep doing that,” he said.

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