Many young actors don’t know what AMMA is for: Devan

As the AMMA elections concluded yesterday with Shwetha Menon elected as President, actor Devan, who contested against her, shared his concerns about the lack of awareness among younger members of the organisation.
Speaking to Onmanorama, Devan said, “Some of the younger actors still don’t know what AMMA stands for. I talked to a few of them and they asked, ‘Why do we need AMMA?’ They think it’s an organisation to get chances in movies. That’s not what AMMA is for.”

He explained that senior actors like Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Suresh Gopi didn’t join AMMA for film roles. “AMMA is an organisation that looks after actors who aren’t as well-off as the big stars. It works for the welfare of its members,” he said.
With many prominent actors like Prithviraj, Kunchacko Boban, and Asif Ali not seen during the elections, Devan added, “I will try to bring these younger actors back to AMMA — that’s my mission.”

Devan expressed his happiness over Shwetha’s victory and said his decision to contest was to ensure the election remained fair and democratic. “Women shouldn’t have to win as a favour from men — that’s why I entered the race,” he said. “It was a fair contest, and Shwetha won on merit. In that sense, my purpose was fulfilled.” Regarding the case involving Shwetha, he said he would urge the committee to take it up as a priority.

In the election, Shwetha Menon received 159 votes, defeating Devan, who secured 132, while six votes were declared invalid.
After her victory, Shwetha thanked the members and said, “There is no man or woman here; we are all one,” calling on everyone to stand united.