Malayalam superstar Mammootty has spoken about a health scare that forced him to take a break from acting in 2025.
The actor revealed that he temporarily lost his sense of smell and taste, but is now slowly recovering.
He said the experience taught him the value of everyday sensory abilities, which people often take for granted.
Mammootty shared these thoughts in a video released by The Cue Studio during an event held at a hospital.
Speaking at the event, the actor said eyesight and hearing play a very important role in human life. He added that some people are unable to smell even while breathing.
Recalling his own experience, Mammootty said he could not smell or taste anything for a long time and is only now gradually regaining those senses.
He noted that people truly understand the importance of such abilities only after losing them.
He also spoke about hearing as a blessing, saying people who can hear often ask others to lower the volume or speak softly, while those who cannot hear would never make such requests. He described hearing as a godly gift that many people fail to recognise.
Following his health issues, Mammootty stayed away from films for several months to focus on treatment. During this period, rumours surfaced claiming he was undergoing cancer treatment.
However, his team strongly denied these reports, calling them false, as reported by India Today.
Mammootty has now returned to work and is currently shooting for his upcoming film Patriot, directed by Mahesh Narayanan.
The spy action drama features a star-studded cast including Mohanlal, Kunchacko Boban, Fahadh Faasil, Nayanthara, Rajiv Menon, and Revathi. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on April 23.
The actor also has a busy lineup ahead. He is shooting for Padayaatra, directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan and produced by Mammootty Kampany. The film is said to be based on Randidangazhi by Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai.
In addition, Mammootty will be seen in D55, starring Dhanush and directed by Rajkumar Periasamy.