Mammootty targeted over tilak: Actor Harisree Yousuf calls critic 'frog in a well'

Malayalam actor-comedian Harisree Yousuf defended veteran superstar Mammootty after a social media user targeted the actor for accepting a traditional tilak during a welcome ceremony in Gujarat, where he arrived to receive his Best Actor trophy at the 72nd National Film Awards. Emphasising the necessity of looking beyond religious divides, Yousuf condemned the online criticism and highlighted the secular nature of cultural gestures in India.Hitting back at the critic, identified as Abbas, Yousuf slammed the narrow-minded backlash over Mammootty permitting a tilak on his forehead. "Mammootty is an artist. I am also a small-time artist. We artists do not have narrow-minded thinking. We think a little more broadly," he said in a video message. Terming the commenter a "frog in a well", Yousuf added, "This person felt that it was a huge offence... people like you, who carry only 'religion' in their minds, will think like this."Explaining that the gesture was merely standard hospitality extended to guests, the comedian questioned the practice of invoking faith to insult public figures. He highlighted Mammootty's immense contributions to cinema and society, including funding free heart surgeries for children and bringing national recognition to the state. "You abused a person who is respected and admired by Malayalis across the world... look at the good things that person does for our society," Yousuf noted.Drawing parallels between various religious practices — such as applying a tilak, making the sign of the cross, or bowing down in prayer — Yousuf asserted that all acts of devotion are ultimately directed toward the same Creator. Rebuking communal ideology, he remarked that regressive mindsets belonged in a "Taliban" regime rather than a diverse nation like India. "Religion is necessary, but what is religion for? It is not for human beings to fight with each other. Religion is meant to make human beings better," he concluded, urging social media users to refrain from stoking communal discord.Harisree Yousuf is a recognised face in Malayalam cinema and stage performances, with notable credits in films such as Meow, Ini Utharam, and Amar Akbar Anthony.At the 72nd National Film Awards, Mammootty won the Best Actor award, sharing the top honour with Hindi film actor Kartik Aaryan. While Mammootty earned the accolade for his compelling performance in the Malayalam drama Bramayugam, Aaryan secured his first National Award for his portrayal of a paralympic gold medallist in the sports drama Chandu Champion. The win marked Mammootty's fourth National Film Award for Best Actor, further cementing his legacy as one of Indian cinema's most celebrated stalwarts.The prestigious ceremony also saw actor Yami Gautam win the Best Actress award for her performance in the political thriller Article 370, while filmmaker Nag Ashwin earned the Best Director accolade for his sci-fi spectacle Kalki 2898 AD.- Ends