I stayed silent and won: Shwetha Menon after winning AMMA election

“I stayed silent and won, and I am indeed happy. For me, all that matters now is the smooth running of AMMA.” These were Shwetha Menon’s first words after creating history by becoming the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists’ (AMMA) first woman president.

In a fiercely fought election, Shwetha secured 159 votes, defeating veteran actor Devan, who managed 132. Six votes were declared invalid. The result marked a significant milestone in the organisation’s history and set the stage for a celebratory atmosphere among members.

Shwetha, who thanked everyone for their support, told members, “There is no man or woman here; we are all one,” urging them to stand with her wholeheartedly. Regarding a case filed against her, she hinted at possible behind-the-scenes manoeuvres but said she could not elaborate as the matter was sub judice.

The general secretary’s post went to Kuku Parameswaran, who polled 172 votes against Ravindran’s 115, while actor Ansiba Hassan was elected joint secretary unopposed.

In a show of sportsmanship, Devan led the oath-taking ceremony for the new committee. “If Shwetha Menon is AMMA’s mother, then I am AMMA’s father. I will always be with Shwetha,” he said, describing the contest as a healthy competition.

Actor Jagadeesh praised the high voter turnout and the constructive debates during the election. Ansiba Hassan, too, remarked that any earlier disagreements had now been resolved.

Usha Haseena, who had previously opposed Shwetha’s candidacy, said the organisation had listened to their concerns and promised to address them. “The competition was very healthy,” she added.

By the time the results were declared, the mood had turned festive. Members were seen hugging, congratulating one another, and celebrating AMMA’s first woman president, a historic shift in the association’s four-decade journey.