In a historic move, award-winning actor Shwetha Menon has been elected as the first woman President of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Her victory comes at a pivotal time for the organization, following the en masse resignation of the previous committee after the release of the Hema Committee Report, which detailed serious issues …
An Era of Change: Shwetha Menon Makes History as First Female AMMA President
In a historic move, award-winning actor Shwetha Menon has been elected as the first woman President of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Her victory comes at a pivotal time for the organization, following the en masse resignation of the previous committee after the release of the Hema Committee Report, which detailed serious issues like sexual harassment and pay disparities in the Malayalam film industry. Menon acknowledges the intense scrutiny on her new role, stating, “I will be the most scrutinised president in AMMA’s history,” and is prepared to face the challenges ahead.
Overcoming Hurdles and Embracing Responsibility
Menon’s path to the presidency was not without its challenges, including a “bizarre” legal case filed against her for her past film roles. Despite these pressures, she felt confident and was driven by a desire to improve the organization’s reputation and its service to members, especially women. She believes that having women in top leadership positions will inspire other female members to come forward with their issues. Menon plans to turn this symbolism into concrete action by using qualities like compassion, patience, and effective communication to foster a culture of transparency and accountability.
The Path Forward: Tackling Patriarchy and Ensuring Accountability
Menon has a clear vision for AMMA’s future, which includes fighting patriarchal mindsets and building a stronger safety net for women artists. She plans to rally the organization around victims of harassment and work with legal and financial experts to implement new ideas. While she is open to seeking guidance from senior members like Mohanlal and Mammootty, she is also determined to give younger artists a greater say in the association’s direction. Her election is seen as a sign of progress, and she hopes it will inspire more women in cinema to take on leadership roles.
