Mohanlal returns money after public outcry

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 5: Following a public outcry over the dismal performance of his band Lalisom at the National Games inaugural, Malayalam cinema's superstar Mohanlal Thursday returned to the authorities Rs.1.63 crore given to him for the show. A Games official said: "A cover was delivered through a private courier agency around 3.30 p.m. and it has sender's name as Mohanlal." Jacob Punnoose, the chief executive of the 35th National Games, received the delivery, said the official. On Wednesday, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the state government has no moral right to accept the money that it gave to Mohanlal. The sporting event was inaugurated here Sunday and will be held till Feb 14.