Southern star Mammootty has been taken to court over soap ad
Southern mega star Mammootty has been dragged to court by a man who used the "fairness soap" he endorsed to disappointing results.
An artist in Kerala's Wayanad has moved the consumer court against the company that produces the "Indulekha White Soap" promoted by Mammootty.
Both the company and the 64-year-old actor were summoned by the court today. Mammootty's lawyer asked for more time, saying the notice had not reached his client, so the case will be heard on October 12.
K Chathu, a sculptor, told NDTV: "I have used Indulekha soap for one year but I haven't turned fairer. Our big artists these days keep endorsing products without any loyalty or authenticity. This needs to stop."
Mammootty's lawyer said it was unfair to blame the star. "Mammootty is an actor. He is being dragged into it. He has just read out the lines, which the scriptwriter wrote for the advertisement. He has just acted. That's his profession," said A Antony.
The ad shows Mammootty, a three-time national award winner, recommending the soap for "white and bright skin".
"Every actor, artist needs to survive. Same is the requirement of the man who has dragged Mammooty into a controversy", said short film director Shahad Marrakkar.
Among stars who have been in trouble before for endorsing fairness products is Shah Rukh Khan, who was criticised in an online petition. Actors like Katrina Kaif, Sonam Kapur and Aishwarya Rai have also drawn adverse comments for endorsing similar products.