THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The final decision regarding taking back the money for ‘Lalisom’ from actor Mohanlal would be taken after discussing with the Chief Minister, said Sports Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan.
Playing down criticisms against the National Games inaugural ceremony, the minister said there were criticisms only about ‘Lalisom’. There were two types of responses about the event. Just before ‘Lalisom’, there were no criticisms.
“Mohanlal has already replied to the criticisms. He said he’s ready to repay the amount. Ideally the chapter should be closed with that. I respect his decision. Today also I spoke to him over phone. He is really sad about the criticisms against him,” he said. To repeated questions on why a hurriedly-organised ‘Lalisom’ was made part of the inaugural event, Thiruvanchoor said it was the ceremony committee that took the final call on the events.
“Earlier there was an attempt to have the performance of Rahman (A R Rahman) for the event. That was too expensive. Later the committee took the decision to have ‘Lalisom’. They took such a decision in good intention,” the minister said.
There were no criticisms about organising the competitions or from the competition venues, he said, adding that lack of previous experience in organising the event was a setback. Refuting charges of extravaganza at inaugural function, the minister said the 34th National Games at Jharkhand was conducted by spending Rs 31 crore more than the current edition of the games.
With Mohanlal offering to pay back the money received for ‘Lalisom’, many leaders have come out demanding that the government should not take back the money.