Highlights
- Garbage, Mohanlal said in his blog, was Kerala's "greatest terror"
- Road accidents in the state killed "more people than a war," he wrote
- Chief Minister will respond positively to Mohanlal's suggestion, says CPM
Kerala, God's own country, could do with a thorough clean-up, Malayali actor Mohanlal has pointed out - and in a way that has earned him kudos both from politicians and the common man.
Writing in as a "concerned citizen", the silver screen idol has appealed to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on issues as varied as the importance of garbage collection, road accidents and women's safety.
Calling garbage Kerala's "greatest terror" the 56-year-old he said, "If anyone asks me about a terrorist that Kerala fears the most, I would say garbage. Keralites who dump their garbage out in the open are also only increasing in numbers because they don't have any place to dispose of their garbage".
He spoke of road accidents killing "more people than a war" and demanded that rules be made and adhered to in the matter.
What makes his appeal different from earlier similar appeals by actors was the way it has been received. While comments on intolerance from Bollywood icons Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan have drawn backlash on social media, people have nodded approval to Mohanlal, who is widely regarded as a cultural icon.
"It's a pretty good thing to do for him... especially because he is a celebrity... and people recognise his actions," said a student from Thiruvananthapuram, Nafeed Gaffur.
"I agree with Mohanlal. The government must take care of women and protect them more," said Athulya PR, a professional.
The CPM, which is leading the ruling LDA coalition, has responded positively. "Mohanlal is a great actor, he has given a suggestion which the Chief minister will respond to positively. There is a lot of hope, this is there in the agenda of the LDF government and try to implement," said CPM lawmaker MB Rajesh.
An avid blogger, Mohanlal, has acted in more than 300 Malayalam movies in last three decades, besides other languages. He is a 4-time national award winner.
During the Assembly polls held in Kerala, he had courted controversy while he was seen sharing stage with Kerala Congress(B) candidate, a CPM ally, actor-turned-politician Ganesh Kumar during his campaigning.
One of his political rivals contesting from the same constituency was actor Jagadeesh on Congress seat, and a close friend of Mohanlal.