Malayalam cinema’s superstar, Mohanlal, opened up about the personal toll of rampant misinformation and speculation on social media. In an exclusive interview with Sai Kiran, Assistant Editor of The Times of India, the actor shared his rather unsettling, yet humorous, experiences as a target of fake news.
When asked how he has been affected by the rapid spread of false information through new-age media, Mohanlal revealed that he has been a victim multiple times, long before social media became what it is today.
”Oh yes, several times. In fact, even before social media, I was a victim. More than once, I’ve been ‘reported dead’ (laughs),” the actor confessed.
He recounted one particularly memorable incident: “Once, when such news spread, I was in Ooty. My mother panicked and called me immediately. I answered, and she calmed down hearing my voice. But then she asked, ‘Are you sure you’re not dead?’ (laughs).”
Response to Madhu and Dadasaheb Phalke Award Debate
Mohanlal also addressed the social media debate that veteran actor Madhu was a strong choice for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, even before him.
”Madhu sir is someone we all deeply respect. In fact, our actors’ association, including myself, has recommended his name for Phalke Award at least four times,” Mohanlal stated. “So it’s not something I’m unaware of, nor something I don’t support. These honours belong to everyone who has carried cinema forward, and for me, Madhu sir’s name has always been in that league.”
