Mohanlal, president of AMMA, the actors association of Malayalam film actors, has resigned as the president of the body. The resignation comes as the aftermath of revelations on harassments in Malaylaam film industry following the release of Hema Committee report.
The Hema Committee was established in 2017 to investigate the challenges faced by women in the Malayalam cinema industry, especially in the wake of a sexual assault case involving actor Dileep. The committee was chaired by retired High Court judge Justice Hema, along with veteran actor Sharada and former IAS officer KB Valsala Kumari.
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Their report, which was submitted in 2019, brought to light the pervasive sexual harassment experienced by women in the industry. It particularly highlighted incidents where female actors faced unwanted advances before even beginning work.The report was made public last week.
Executive members submitted mass resignation, and all 17 executives have resigned from the association. The urgent meeting was reportedly held online which decided the disbanding of the organisation. After stepping down from the executive committee of the organisation, the actor expressed his wish for new leadership for AMMA. He also expressed gratitude to all those who corrected and criticised him.
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Notably, several actors, including Shammi Thilakan, Prithiraj Sukumaran among others had expressed their disappointment over the alleged “weak stance” by the association towards the report.
Shammi Thilakan slammed the outgoing AMMA president for not responding to the Hema Committee report and the subsequent developments. During his recent interview regarding the report, the actor said “Mohanlal lost his ability to respond,” adding that whoever has done wrong will face consequences.
While interacting with media on the recent developments in the Malayalam film industry, actor Prithviraj yesterday criticised the actors’ body’s handling of the Hema Committee findings, while calling for a detailed probe into the report.
