Mammootty opens up about health scare that forced him to take break from acting
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Mammootty has spoken publicly for the first time about the health scare that kept him away from films and public appearances.
He revealed that he temporarily lost his sense of smell and taste.
Speaking at the 16th anniversary event of the Care and Share International Foundation, the charitable organisation founded by him, the actor said the experience made him realise the value of basic human senses. Mammootty said he was unable to smell or taste anything for a long period and that the recovery of these senses has been gradual, even after his overall health improved.
Rumours about Mammootty’s health began circulating in early 2025, with social media posts claiming that he had been diagnosed with cancer and had stepped away from work for treatment. Although his team dismissed the claims, his prolonged absence from public life intensified speculation. Concern among fans grew further when fellow superstar Mohanlal performed a special offering for Mammootty at the Sabarimala temple.
In August, people close to the actor, including family members and long-time associates, confirmed that he had recovered from the illness, though details were not disclosed at the time. Mammootty’s recent remarks are the first direct account of the physical impact the health issue had on him.
During the same address, the actor also recalled an incident involving a hearing aid he once gifted to a man, who found the sudden exposure to sound overwhelming and chose not to use it. Mammootty used the anecdote to underline how easily people take sensory abilities for granted.
Mammootty has acted in more than 400 films over a career spanning five decades. He was last seen in Jithin K Jose’s Kalamkaval and made a cameo in Adhvaith Nayar’s Chatha Pacha. He is set to reunite on screen with Mohanlal in Mahesh Narayanan’s Patriot after 18 years.
