Music director Ramesh Narayan. | Photo courtesy: The Hindu
Renowned music composer Ramesh Narayan is facing criticism on social media after he allegedly ignored actor Asif Ali at the trailer launch of an anthology series. ManorathangalA play based on the short stories of MT Vasudevan Nair was telecast here on Monday.
In a video of the event that went viral on Tuesday, the actor is seen handing over a memento to the composer, who had composed the music for the film. Swargam Thurkunna Samayam In the series directed by Jayaraj, the actor is seen receiving it without making eye contact. Mr. Ali, who appears confused by the response, stood beside the composer for a while before going back to his seat. Mr. Narayan is then seen waving to Mr. Jayaraj and asking him to come and present the souvenir. Soon after the filmmaker presents him with the souvenir, the composer’s demeanour changes and he is seen smiling and hugging him.
Netizens were scathing in their comments and termed the musician’s behaviour as “unprofessional” and a “very bad attitude”. They also praised the actor’s cheerful behaviour despite the ‘disregard’.
Amid the criticism pouring in on the internet, Sree Narayan responded by saying that he never intended to disrespect the actor. He claimed, “I was not called on stage, though everyone who worked for the anthology was invited and given souvenirs. MT Vasudevan Nair’s daughter Aswathy arranged for me to be handed over the souvenir after realising that I was not invited on stage. The anchor was heard calling me Santhosh Narayanan. I received the souvenir from Asif Ali, but I wanted Jayaraj to join as he was the director of the film. By the time Jayaraj reached me, Asif had gone back to his seat.”
