Malayalam film music composer and Hindustani vocalist Ramesh Narayan has sparked controversy for his behaviour towards popular actor Asif Ali during the trailer launch of their latest film.

The star-studded event took place in Kochi late Monday to unveil the trailer of Manorathangal, an anthology of nine stories written by Jnanpith awardee, screenwriter and lyricist M.T. Vasudevan Nair, to mark his 91st birthday. Nair had, however, left the venue when the incident occurred.

During the event, when the compere called upon 38-year-old Ali, who stars in one of the stories, to present a memento to Narayan, the composer visibly disregarded the actor.

In a viral video, Narayan is seen getting up abruptly from his seat, appearing to snatch the memento from Ali’s hands without acknowledgement and immediately handing it over to filmmaker Jayaraj, who has directed one of the segments of the anthology, before formally receiving it from the director.

Realising the situation, Ali had by then stepped aside and taken his seat. Filmmaker Nadhirshah commented on Facebook: “It’s not enough to have music sense, one needs common sense, as well.”

Screengrab from the viral video shows Ramesh Narayanan (in maroon kurta) calling out for filmmaker Jayaraj as actor Asif Ali (back to the camera) quietly moves away

The video of the incident went viral on Tuesday attracting harsh comments against the composer. “Very rude and uncouth behaviour from Ramesh Narayan. Asif Ali showed his class and dignity at the venue,” a handle named FDFS Reviews posted on X along with screenshots of the video clearly showing Ali being ignored.

Another Facebook user, Neelima Menon, commented on the platform: “Terrible behaviour from music director Ramesh Narayan. He refused to gracefully accept the award from Asif Ali and insisted on receiving it from Jayaraj.”

Faced with fierce criticism on social media, Narayan met reporters on Tuesday and said he had only adulation for Ali and didn’t mean anything he’s being accused of.

“I just wanted Jayaraj to be there (with me). So, I couldn’t focus on Asif Ali,” he said, trying to deflect the criticism about his behaviour.

“Asif Ali, Fahadh (Faasil) are among today’s actors I love. Aren’t they the future of our cinema?” Naryanan countered when asked about his behaviour. He apologised when a reporter sought explanations on why he failed to acknowledge Ali. “I don’t know. But if anyone felt that, I apologise,” said Narayan, a Pandit Jasraj protege.