Kerala - Alappuzha

Samraj joins issue with Muthukad

ALAPPUZHA: Continuing the verbal duel with his counterpart Gopinath Muthukad over actor Mohanlal abandoning the ‘Burning Illusion’ programme, Magician Samraj on Friday said he was not jealous of either Muthukad or Mohanlal.

Addressing a press conference here, Samraj condemned Muthukad’s reported statement that he was opposing the actor’s programme because he was jealous.

“Mr. Muthukad has been changing his stance every day. He had first said the stunt had a 50 per cent risk chance. Then he said it was not dangerous at all. If there is nothing risky in the event and it is a mere illusion, why should an actor of the calibre like Mohanlal be involved in it at all?” he asked.

Samraj also said he opposed the event because the stunt was one which was used in the magic arena to gauge a magician’s mettle. “Once an actor does that, the thrill of the event will be lost and there will be no one to see it again if a young and upcoming magician tries to perform the same trick. I am not questioning Mohanlal’s sincerity or skills, but instead of making magic public, efforts should be to make it more popular,” he said.

Samraj also alleged that Muthukad’s sole aim was publicity by dragging Mohanlal into performing the trick.

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