Veteran actor Kamal Haasan on Sunday warmly congratulated Mammootty after the Malayalam cinema icon was announced as a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour. The announcement, made ahead of the 77th Republic Day of India, drew widespread appreciation from across the Indian film industry, with Kamal Haasan’s message standing out for its affection, reflection and literary flourish.
Taking to social media, Kamal Haasan described Mammootty as a dear friend and reflected on their long-standing bond, even as he noted that the two legends have never shared screen space. “My dear friend Mammootty has been announced as the recipient of the Padma Bhushan award. We haven’t acted together in any films,” Kamal Haasan wrote. He went on to say that their relationship had been shaped by admiration from a distance, candid critique and mutual respect over the years, adding that they had “cherished each other from afar while directly critiquing one another.” In a poetic reference, Kamal Haasan likened their friendship to that of the Chola king Kopperuncholayar and the poet Pisiranthaiyar, a celebrated bond from classical Tamil literature.
The announcement also prompted a note of personal reflection. Kamal Haasan wrote that it now struck him that the two could have met in person more often over the years. Expressing his admiration as a fan, he added, “As a Mammootty fan, my expectation is that my fans should also be his fans.” He concluded his message with warmth and pride, writing, “My friend Mammootty has now become Padma Bhushan Mammootty. Congratulations to my friend.”
Mammootty was named as a Padma Bhushan awardee by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday, marking 28 years since he received the Padma Shri in 1998. Widely regarded as one of the most influential actors in Indian cinema, Mammootty has enjoyed a career spanning over five decades and has acted in more than 400 films across languages.
The Padma Awards will be formally presented by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan later this summer.
