THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A day after the Cabinet decided not to take back the money paid for ‘Lalisom’ from actor Mohanlal, the Games CEO received the cheque of Rs 1.63 crore from the actor. The cheque sent by speed post was received by National Games CEO Jacob Punnoose. However, Sports Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan reiterated that government will not take back the money from the actor.
The actor decided to pay back the amount that he received for ‘Lalisom’, the show that he staged at the inaugural ceremony of National Games, after widespread criticisms of the show.
However, both the CM and Sports Minister were of the view that the government won’t take back the money.
On Thursday, the cheque for `1,63,77,600 was received by the Games CEO along with a communication from the firm which handles the actor’s accounts that the money is being paid back following the recent developments. The Chief Minister will take a final call on returning the cheque, said Thiruvanchoor’s office.
“Controversies related to the National Games is a closed chapter,” Sports Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has said.
Speaking to reporters, the minister said controversies over the remarks made by Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson are over as the latter has already expressed regret over his statements.
“He clarified that the remarks were made with good intention and were not meant to create any controversy.
“Therefore, that issue is over. Now, the Chief Secretary will also actively involve in the conduct of the games,” the minister said.