Malayalam actor-comedian Harisree Yusuf has spoken about the importance of looking beyond religious differences after a social media user targeted Mammootty over the tilak he received during his visit to Gujarat for national awards.
Reacting to the criticism, Harisri Yusuf said that religious practices may look different but have the same purpose, adding that “the purpose of religion is to make human beings better.”
After a clip of Mammootty’s reception in Gujarat surfaced online, the actor shared his thoughts in an Instagram video. Mammootty, who traveled to the state to receive the national award, was seen receiving a traditional welcome, including tilak on his forehead.
While the moment itself was part of the reception, a social media user named Abbas criticized Mammootty for accepting Tilak. Addressing the reaction, Harisri Yusuf said that people should not see such cultural gestures only through the eyes of religion.
Harisri Yusuf, while speaking, compared various religious practices. He said that applying tilak, making the sign of the cross or bowing for prayer can all be expressions of devotion.
He said, “Have you heard the song that says, ‘Whether you wear tilak, make the sign of the cross or bow down and pray, the One who sees, the One who hears, the Merciful God’?” Haven’t you heard that song? Whether you make the sign of the cross, wear tilak or bow down and pray, everything is directed towards God. It shows love for our Creator.”
The actor also questioned why Mammootty should face criticism for accepting a traditional gesture while attending an event. Artists tend to see such situations more broadly, he said.
Harisree Yusuf said, “Malayalis were very happy that he got the National Award for Best Actor. We congratulated him. But one person made a comment against him. The person who made this comment is Abbas. When Mammootty went to receive the award, he got a tilak on his forehead. He bent down to apply the tilak.”
“This person felt it was a big crime. Son, you are like a frog in a well. Mammootty is an artist. I am also a young artist. We artists are not narrow-minded. We think a little wider. So, people like you, who only have ‘religion’ in mind, will think like that,” he added.
Harisri Yusuf also offered a more clear explanation for Tilak. According to him, such gestures may be part of welcoming guests and do not necessarily carry the meaning attached to them by the commentator.
“Son, when you go to a big hotel, this is one way they welcome guests. When guests come, they give them a bouquet and tilak on their forehead before they come in,” he said.
The actor then highlighted Mammootty’s standing among Malayalis and his work outside cinema. He said the actor has earned respect both through his career and his contribution to society.
Mammootty said, “You have mistreated a person who is respected and admired by Malayalis all over the world, a person of great talent and many achievements who has brought recognition to our state, and who has won the National Award four times. Abbas, look at the good work that person does for our society. As a patron of the organizations he supports, he can sincerely help your children in many charitable activities here. At least one Do something that will benefit this society?
Harisri Yusuf questioned the practice of bringing religion into online debates. He said that people should not use faith to attack or abuse others.
“People like you can come in the comments section, abuse someone’s father, insult someone, and then bring God into it and call it religion. That’s what you can do. Religion is important, but what is religion for? It’s not for humans to fight each other. Religion is to make humans better,” the actor said.
He responded by criticizing what he described as sectarian thinking and asking the commenter not to repeat such comments.
Harisri Yusuf said, “Abbas, the country most compatible with your way of thinking is the Taliban. That’s where your mentality is. I’m not asking you to go there. Because if you go there, they won’t let you in.”
“You have to stay in India because you are born and brought up in India. I am not stupid enough to ask you to leave this country. I am only saying based on your nature and thinking. Son, this is a great country of India. In fact, it is people who think like you who create communalism here. Don’t do that again,” he added.
For Unversed, Harisree Yusuf is known for her work in Malayalam films and stage shows. His filmography includes meow, Ini Utram And Amar Akbar Anthony.
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