Mammootty, the megastar of Indian cinema and especially the South Indian film industry, is often known for his excellent acting and simplicity. But recently one of his old videos went viral on social media in such a way that he became the target of fundamentalists and so-called contractors of religion. Seeing the tilak applied on Mammootty's forehead in the video, some narrow minded people started raising questions on him and made objectionable comments. However, amidst this entire controversy, famous Malayalam actor and director Harisree Yusuf has openly come out in support of Mammootty. By giving a befitting reply to these so-called contractors of religion, he has taught such a lesson on art, culture and Indian tradition, which is being appreciated everywhere. This incident has once again sparked a debate whether efforts should be made to bind art and artists within the ambit of religion. Viral video on social media and objectionable reactions from fundamentalists The controversy started when a video of Mammootty at a public event started spreading rapidly on social media platforms. In this video, Tilak was seen decorated on the actor's forehead as per traditional Indian customs. Seeing this, some fundamentalist elements active on social media started criticizing it by linking it to religious identity and a round of trolling started. The argument of these people was that being a Muslim he should not be a part of such traditions. Such negative and narrow comments gave rise to an unnecessary controversy on the internet, which proves that in today's era, some people do not desist from looking at every small thing through the prism of hatred and bigotry. Harishree Yusuf's sharp counterattack and beautiful message of culture: When the matter started increasing beyond limits and unnecessary statements regarding Mammootty increased on social media, then well-known artist Harishree Yusuf came forward and stopped the speaking of these contractors of religion. Harishree Yusuf strongly criticized those who try to fit art and artists into the framework of religion. He clearly said that art has no religion and the artist only represents humanity and culture. Citing India's Ganga-Jamuni culture and multicultural heritage, Yusuf said that in our country people of different religions have been respecting each other's festivals, traditions and customs. Applying tilak on the forehead or being a part of any cultural function is a sign of respect, and not a violation of one's religious beliefs. The fine line between art and religion in the cinematic world Indian cinema has always been the biggest and strongest pillar of unity in diversity. Be it Bollywood or Southern cinema, the artists working here never let their religion come in the way of their art. A veteran actor like Mammootty has played all types of characters in his decades-long career and has always strengthened the secular fabric of Indian society. When an actor is on a film set or on a cultural stage, his first identity is that of an artist. Creating controversy on such issues by fundamentalists is not only an insult to the artist, but it also questions the great cultural tradition of the country which has been based on mutual brotherhood and harmony for centuries. Support is being received across the country and an important message for the society. After the befitting reply given by Harishree Yusuf, the general public and other film personalities have also started openly supporting Mammootty on social media. People say that the real beauty of India lies in its diversity and respect for each other's culture. Some people try to break this fabric due to their small thinking, but a sensible and progressive society never allows such elements to succeed. This voice raised in support of Mammootty is proof that there are more people in the country who consider art, love and national unity supreme than those who spread hatred. This entire incident once again teaches us that we should be proud of our culture and always reject the forces that divide society in the name of religion.
