Alappuzha: SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan on Sunday said that Mammootty was honoured with the Padma Bhushan for his acting prowess, whereas he received the award for collective work in areas including microfinance.
He further said that he is “tempered by fire” and does not wither in the sun.

“Mammootty received it based on his acting excellence. I did not receive it for my acting. I received it considering the scale of public welfare activities, including microfinance, and organisational work carried out collectively by all of us. This Padma Bhushan has not been given to me personally, but to the community. I place it at the feet of the Guru,” Vellappally said.
The Padma Bhushan awarded to Vellappally Natesan has sparked mass objections, as critics question the Centre’s criteria for selecting the controversial leader for the honour.