Malayalam actor Mammootty’s proposed move to become brand ambassador of soft drinks company Coca-Cola has come in for criticism from social activists and artistes. Though the deal with the soft drinks company has not been signed yet, the fact that the actor was involved in negotiations with Coca-Cola is seen by social activists and other artistes alike as ‘‘unethical and in bad taste’’.While addressing a press meet in Kottayam today, Opposition Leader V.S. Achuthanandan said he was surprised to learn about Mammootty’s move. ‘‘The people of the state love the actor so much. One should understand the issue in the context of the raging controversy over massive exploitation of underground water by cola companies in the state,’’ he said. Asked whether he would dissuade the actor from signing the deal with Coca-Cola, Achuthanandan said: ‘‘I will ask him not to be foolish.” Mammootty is chairman of the CPI(M)-controlled Kairali TV channel, which has been in the forefront in the agitation against the operations of Coca-Cola in the state.
