The Association of Malayalam Movie Actors (AMMA) has come down hard on actor Dileep who is an accused in the 2017 actress attack case. Acclaimed actor and AMMA president Mohanlal clarified in a press meet here that Dileep's resignation from the organisation was demanded by the association.
“I called Dileep over phone and demanded his resignation from the AMMA. You may call it a disciplinary action. Hadn't Dileep submitted his resignation then, we would have expelled him immediately,” he said at the press meet here where he announced Dileep's resignation was accepted by the body.
Refusing the possibility of a general body meeting to address the complaints raised by Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) in their October 13 press meet, Mohanlal said that the association would discuss it in its next executive committee meeting amid several other issues.
Mohanlal also said that AMMA wants some time to sort out the complaints and issues raised by WCC. “They (WCC) came up with some scathing allegations when Kerala was facing the biggest catastrophe in its history, which is the floods of August 2018. This is the first time we face such serious allegations. Please give us some more time to consider their complaints,” he said. “I don't understand why some members of WCC make such serious allegations against AMMA while still being a part of it."
Actresses are actresses
The AMMA chief also wondered what is the issue if 'actresses' are referred to as 'actresses'. "I don't regret having addressed them 'actresses'. I don't have any problem in taking the names of Revathy, Padmapriya or Parvathy. Revathy acted with me first when she was 13. I have done a lot of movies with Padmapriya. I have also worked with Parvathy. I have tried to maintain friendly relations with all of them,” Mohanlal said.
Unhappy stint
Mohanlal expressed his anguish over taking his name for all allegations against AMMA. Stating his dissatisfaction in continuing as the president of AMMA, Mohanlal said that he will re-consider whether he has to continue in the position. “Every prime time discussion on AMMA-WCC spat echoes of my name. Mohanlal is one name being used widely by the national and international media to explain the issues in Malayalam film industry. I am extremely worried about that. I am not satisfied as the president of AMMA. I will take a call whether I have to continue in this position,” Mohanlal added.
The members of the AMMA executive committee, including president Mohanlal, secretary Siddique, treasurer Jagadeesh and other members Tini Tom, Rachana Narayanankutty, Edavela Babu, Aju Varghese and Baburaj participated in the press conference here.
