The recent Manorathangal trailer launch event turned controversial when classical vocalist-composer Ramesh Narayan allegedly insulted actor Asif Ali.
The incident has since drawn widespread condemnation from the public and industry insiders.
The event, which celebrated the upcoming series Manorathangal and coincided with writer MT Vasudevan Nair’s 91st birthday, saw a host of celebrities in attendance, including MT himself, Malayalam megastar Mammootty, actor Siddique, and showrunner Priyadarshan.
During the ceremony, Asif Ali was tasked with presenting a memento to Ramesh Narayan, who composed the music for the segment directed by Jayarajan Nair (Jayaraj). However, when Asif approached with the memento, Ramesh took it without making eye contact and signaled Jayaraj to present it instead.
Asif stood by, smiling but visibly confused, as Ramesh ignored him completely. Jayaraj then took the memento from Ramesh and presented it back to him. This interaction was caught on video and quickly went viral, leading to accusations that Ramesh had insulted Asif.
In the aftermath, Ramesh Narayan issued a statement claiming there was no intent to insult Asif and that the incident was a misunderstanding.
“I didn’t know that Asif was coming to present the award. I’m not very young anymore, and I wasn’t on the stage. If I had been on the stage, I would have noticed someone coming. I was standing below. I didn’t intend to insult or discriminate against anyone. I’m sorry for any misunderstandings caused. Asif is one of my favourite actors. I plan to call Asif and apologise if I’ve made a mistake. I have no hesitation in apologising. It’s upsetting to be attacked when people don’t understand the situation. I would never intentionally insult someone,” claimed.
He explained that he was disappointed about not being invited to the stage initially and was unaware that Asif was the one presenting the award.
Ramesh Narayan's clarification further stated, “I composed the music for the film directed by Jayaraj. Not being invited to the stage during the trailer launch was disappointing. Afterwards, since I had to leave for Thiruvananthapuram, I expressed my regret about not being invited to Ashwathy,” reported OnManorama.
The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) has since voiced its support for Asif Ali.
AMMA's Instagram post read, “The smile you gave to arrogant behaviour is the real music. Amma is with Asif.”
Siddique, AMMA's general secretary, shared a supportive video of Asif on Facebook with the caption “Malayalees’ beloved Asif Ali.”
Other celebrities, including director-actor Nadhirshah, actors Srikanth Murali and Hareesh Peradi, and Ernakulam MLA TJ Vinod, also expressed solidarity with Asif.
Actor Asif Ali reacted to the incident and requested that support for him should not be turned into an opportunity for hate propaganda.
He said he is happy with the support on social media but support for oneself should not be a hate campaign against another. He added that he understands the pain Ramesh Narayanan is going through right now. The actor also mentioned that he never wanted to give a public reaction to the issue.
Asif said he talked to Ramesh Narayanan on the phone. "His voice was stuttering when he spoke. During the event, Ramesh Narayanan was in the middle of a lot of tension when the incident took place. It was a natural reaction from him. He did nothing on purpose. There was false propaganda even on religious grounds. We cannot fathom the difficulty it causes him and those around him."
Asif said that things should not have been brought to a state of demanding an apology from him.
"I am reacting now because we are convinced that it cannot continue. I didn't want to comment on the matter. I understand the problem he is facing. Malayalees from different parts of the world supported me a lot in this event. There is great joy and pride in that. I am very happy to know that people like me so much," he added.