Thiruvananthapuram: 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.
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".
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.
Advertisement
"I agree with Mohanlal. The government must take care of women and protect them more," said Athulya PR, a professional.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
One of his political rivals contesting from the same constituency was actor Jagadeesh on Congress seat, and a close friend of Mohanlal.
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Climate Change Impact on Wayanad Landslides: Study Reveals Key Findings Scientists Find Fingerprints Of Climate Change On Wayanad Landslides KEAM 2024: BArch Admission Rank List Out, Check Steps To Download Parents Gave Names Of Interns, Doctors To CBI In Kolkata Horror: Sources Who Is Jasveen Sangha, "Ketamine Queen" Charged With Matthew Perry's Death How Extreme Weather Is Leading To Rise In Child Marriages In Pakistan Two Sisters Returning From Court Run Over By Car In UP: Cops India Sends 1,400 kg Anti-Cancer Drugs To Syria In Humanitarian Assistance Police Arrest Suspect In Bihar Dalit Girl Kidnapping, Murder Case Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.