Kochi, Tuesday 23 February, 2010: Actor Mohanlal said that he has never told Sukumar Azhikode that he is ready for across-the-table talks with Thilakan. He had told him that the association will discuss the Thilakan issue.

Mohanlal also said that it is true that he had contacted Sukumar Azhikode over the phone on Monday. But Azhikode’s claim, that Mohanlal promised him to have talks with Thilakan, is false. This must have been Azhikode’s illusion, he added. Mohanlal further said that he asked Azhikode over the phone why he is interfering in such matters and that he is not a suitable prey for the litterateur.

Thilakan issue cannot be solved by me alone. This is a problem related to the association AMMA. Azhikode and I have different fields of interest. I don’t understand why he is interfering in unnecessary matters. Why should he be bothered if I act in a jewellery ad? I have acted in several advertisements on Railways, AIDS Awareness and Polio Eradication, totally regardless of money

Thilakan will continue to act in Malayalam cinema. Mammootty and I will act with Thilakan in future also. But Thilakan should also agree to this. I am ready to talk to Thilakan but Azhikode does not have to act as mediator in this case, the actor added.

Earlier, Azhikode had commented that it is disgusting to see Mohanlal acting in romantic scenes even in this age. Mohanlal is selling the recognition and popularity that he gained through the art called cinema by acting in jewellery ads. He is acting in such commercials out of greed. The change in character brought about by greed results in his working against cinema, Azhikode had said. Azhikode had also said that Mohanlal had called him and assured him that he is ready for talks with Thilakan.