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Was the promising Malayalam Actor Asif Ali humiliated at the ‘Manorathangal’ trailer launch.?


State-award winning composer Ramesh Narayan courted controversy after he refused the memento from the actor Asif Ali himself during the trailer launch of the anthology series “Manorathangal,” all set to release on ZEE5 from August 15th. Requesting the director Jayaraj to present the memento to him, Ramesh Narayan has declined to get it from the actor.

The incident was videoed and went viral, causing an extensive backlash against Ramesh on social media. He replied to the controversy, saying that it was never his intention to snub Asif Ali. The video shows footage from the event of Ramesh appearing to disrespect and reportedly snub Asif while he is receiving the award.

Asif Ali snubbed by Ramesh Narayanan while giving award

In the video it clearly shows Asif Ali approaching Ramesh Narayan with the memento in his hands. The latter took it without proper eye contact, beckoning Jayaraj – a director of this anthology – to come near him and handed over the memento to him for presentation. They hugged and smiled, but Asif seemed confused by what Narayan did. There were many senior veterans and artists from the Malayalam Cinema Industry present during the incident.

Ramesh Narayan’s explanation

Ramesh Narayan clarifies his actions towards Asif Ali before the media

“I received the memento from Asif, but I wanted director Jayaraj also to join, since he is the director of the film. By the time Jayaraj came to hand over the award, Asif was not to be seen. I wished him also. I really like him as an actor”- said the music director who won 4 state awards.

Asif Ali gets solidarity from AMMA

AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists), the leading organisation for Malayalam actors, expressed its support for Asif Ali by posting on Instagram. The message read, “Your smile towards the pride that ignored you is the real music.”

Asif Ali reacts to the hate campaign against Ramesh Narayan

Asif Ali reacts to the hate campaign against Ramesh Narayan

Asif Ali reacted to the hate campaign against Ramesh Narayan considerately. He defended the actions of the veteran composer before the media, asking people to consider the circumstances under which he had to receive the award. Asif Ali mentioned that when Ramesh Narayan was felicitated with the award, he had leg pain and his name was incorrectly addressed by the anchor as Santhosh Narayan. This might have caused tension which is natural for a human being and he has no issue with Ramesh Narayan, continued Asif Ali. Ramesh Narayan also responded to Asif Ali’s statement by extending his gratitude for understanding the situation.

About Manorathangal 

“Manorathangal” is an anthology of nine episodes based on the short stories written by MT Vasudevan Nair. Priyadarshan directs two episodes, while other filmmakers like Shyamaprasad, Aswathy V Nair, Mahesh Narayanan, Ranjith, Santosh Sivan, and Rathish Ambat handle the rest.

The film will feature a huge cast of top performers from industry, including Mammootty, Mohanlal, Fahadh Faasil, Kamal Haasan, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Madhoo, Biju Menon, Ishit Yamimi, Aparna Balamurali, Nadhiya Moidu, Ann Augustine, Durga Krishna, Asif Ali, Indrajith Sukumaran, Indrans, and Siddique.