Mammootty, Mohanlal are great friends: Auditor

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 15 (IANS): Mammootty and Mohanlal, the reigning superstars of Malayalam cinema, may appear archrivals to the world but are in truth the best of friends who discuss their problems with each other.

So says M.B. Sanil Kumar, 42, their financial consultant for three years who keeps in regular touch with them.

"I am really surprised to hear that the general impression in the state is that the two are archenemies whereas the reality is the other way round," Kumar said.

"Others may not know them, but they know each other. Of the 270 films each that they have done in a career spanning two-and-a-half decades, they have worked together in as many as 55."

Kumar says they have no problem in having the same auditor. His biggest appreciation is reserved for the fact that they never ask him about each other's affairs.

Apart from being great actors, they were superb in handling their finances. Their net worth was more than Rs.500 million, Kumar disclosed to IANS.

Kumar is a regular at their homes too.

"I had lunch with Mohanlal on his father's birthday. And whenever I am in Kochi, a visit to Mammootty's house is a must".

Mammootty has shifted base from Chennai to Kochi, and Mohanlal is likely to follow suit.

Both have also been openhearted when it came to charity and have helped educate a large number of people.

Kumar shied away when asked who he thought was the better actor.

"My principle is not to watch any of their movies when I hear it is a flop. Why should I dilute my impressions about them?" asked Kumar.

His remuneration is calculated on the amount of time he spends with each. "One thing I can say is that it is not the same," Kumar said.