'Thank you for being an inspiration, not just to me, but to an entire generation.'
Southside Superstar Mammootty turned 70 on September 7, and his colleagues from the film industry got on social media to celebrate the acting legend.
Dulquer Salmaan gives his father Mammootty several tags, including 'megastar', 'superhero', 'without a cape', 'yet the simplest man at heart' and writes, 'I give up!! How does one even appear in the same frame and try to justify being there when you look like that! Mashallah! Ever so grateful and ever so blessed. I love you infinity Pa !
'We are the luckiest and most fortunate to be your family. We are constantly reminded of that when the world celebrates you on a constant basis.
'Wishing you the happiest of birthdays and may you always age in reverse.'
Mohanlal may be perceived as Mammootty's rival, but they have remained close friends.
They have worked together in 53 films and produced five films together in the four decades of their career.
Mohanlal wishes 'dear Ichakka' with a video message, calling him a 'brother' and saying, 'Mammukka has stood by me through ups and downs, so my family and I are also celebrating his birthday.'
Film-maker Aashiq Abu, who directed Mammootty in 2005's Rappakal, posts, 'Thank you Mammukka for the trust. Happy birthday. I love you.'
Actress Anju Kurian goes into fangirl mode, and posts, 'A very happy birthday to the man who's been a motivation and role model over the years to unlimited people. If aging in reverse was a thing, I look no further for proof!!!
'Every girl's childhood hero, teenage crush and youth icon. If myths were true, Appollo's human incarnate cannot take another form.
'It's unfortunate on my part that I have not been able to meet and take a picture along with him. (Waiting patiently for that moment.)'
Actress Anupama Parameswaran writes proudly, 'This picture never gets old. with the birthday boy.'
Actress Mamta Mohandas writes: 'Happy 70th birthday to the most dashing and most charismatic man we have in our industry... Mashallah Mammukka wishing you the best of health, peace and success always.'
Actress Navya Nair writes, 'Happy bday mammokka … always be the inspiration to all of us.'
Nivin Pauly calls Mammootty 'The Legend of Indian Cinema' and his inspiration.
Actor-director Soubin Shahir posts a touching message: 'Growing up Mammooty has always been an admirable fascination. My childhood was a lot about listening to your stories of greatness and watching your heroism on screen. Never once in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would ever get a chance to meet you. But then it happened, during my 1st movie as an Assistant and it goes beyond words to express the excitement and admiration I felt at that moment.
'A decade and a half later - I still look at you with the same starstruck eyes and wonder.
'Mammookka, it has been an honour knowing you, today I feel truly blessed to have had the chance to act alongside with you. What a pleasure & good fortune it has been just to hear you share your wisdom & in-depth knowledge on anything & everything under the sun.
'I have learned so much from you. Thank you for the kind of love & guidance that only you have been to me. Thank you for being an inspiration, not just to me but to an entire generation.'
Prithviraj Sukumaran posts, 'I don't have a better photo..coz we always forget to take one on those biriyaani and black tea afternoons. But you have no idea how much you mean to me like you do to a zillion other dreamers and aspirants. And more than anything else, thank you for Chaalu and Surmi chechi! I love you..the world loves you! Happy birthday Ikka!'
Actor Tovino Thomas posts a cute picture, as he wishes Mammootty a happy birthday.
Actor Kunchacko Boban shows off his terrific cake for the superstar, designed by a fan, and writes, 'Dearest MAMMOOKKA...You have always been there as a mentor,a guiding light,a teacher,a big brother and a genuine well-wisher for me and my family.
'Always a warm presence during my happiest moments and comforting soul during my trying times,I always felt my love and respect for you grow day by day. An undying inspiration and role-model for all who wish to enter the Movie industry,you still keep us in awe of your spirit,passion,commitment and love for the Art!!
'Now as you turn sweet SEVENTYEEN, May God shower you with his choicest blessings forever and more. HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY DEAREST MAMMOOKKA.'
