The differences between the members of the Association of the Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) apparently over popular actor Dileep, an accused in the actress attack case, has come out in the open. Leaked audio recordings of the conversation between treasurer Jagadessh and executive committee member Baburaj revealed the conflict between the group which supports Dileep and the one which opposes him.
In the audio messages posted on the WhatsApp group, the actors have criticised Siddique's recent press meet along with veteran actress KPAC Lalitha in which the duo brushed aside the official statement issued by Jagadeesh. In the press statement, Jagadeesh has stated that the problems would be solved amicably by cooperating with each other.
President Mohanlal hasn’t reacted to the issue yet. However, it is reported that Mohanlal has instructed both the parties to keep calm. As per unconfirmed reports, the senior members of the association may discuss about the issue on 19 October, as Mohanlal is likely to leave for a foreign trip in the coming week.
No to bullying: Jagadeesh
Actor Jagadeesh in the leaked audio could be heard saying that the association wouldn’t tolerate anyone who threatens to destroy the career of those who raise an opinion. He reiterates his support to the president of the association and warns that the AMMA wouldn’t allow anyone to control it by bullying. “Being a disciplined member I am saying all these in a WhattsApp message. Even I can say a lot things by convening a press meet. Do not provoke me to do that. No one should behave with an upper hand. It is a good thing to support friends. However, there shouldn’t be any hidden motives behind it,” said Jagadeesh in the audio clipping.
Don't support Dileep: Baburaj
In the audio, actor Baburaj too is heard asking who gave the authority to Siddique to conduct a press meet. “Is there a superbody existing within the association beside an executive? If that ‘super body’ decides everything, then it won’t be allowed,” stated Baburaj. He claimed that a Tamil media has apparently reported that it was Mohanlal who is not allowing the ouster of Dileep. He pointed out that that it was Mohanlal who is being blamed for what the others have said.
“Siddique was supporting Dileep in the press meet. There wasn’t any need to include Lalitha in it. If he wants to support Dileep, let him do it personally, but not in the name of the association. There is no need for AMMA to support Dileep,” Baburaj said.
Executive members unhappy
Meanwhile it is reported that many members of the executive committee has expressed their displeasure that they were not informed either about Dileep’s resignation and or the press meet held by Siddique. However, it is said that certain objectives in the association’s official statement issued by Jagadeesh have apparently angered those who support Dileep.
Jagadeesh insists that he had issued the statement after discussing it with Mohanlal. In the statement, it was stated that the issues would be sorted amicably based on moral and ethical values rather than the guidelines of the association. This reportedly didn’t go down well with the group which supports Dileep. Besides, it was also hinted in the statement that the actresses who resigned would be welcomed back. Those who support Dileep were upset with this as well. All these have prompted Siddique to suddenly convene a press meet at one of his shooting locations. He was accompanied by senior artist Lalitha as well. However, the other group questions why Lalitha, who is not even a member of the executive committee, was made to participate in the press meet.
Meanwhile, the copy of the statement given by Siddique to the police was leaked to counter his claim that the actress who was attacked last year hadn’t given a complaint that Dileep was denying her opportunities in the movies.
