Everyone should come back: Shwetha Menon outlines vision for AMMA

Actor Shwetha Menon, who was recently elected president of AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes), says she is overwhelmed by the support and trust placed in her by members of the organisation. The polling, she noted, surpassed her expectations and reflected the aspirations of the collective.

“It was a neck-and-neck contest,” Shwetha said, adding that while many members wanted women to step into leadership, some were still uncertain. “What Devan uncle said, that victors should emerge through election, was absolutely right. This position comes with a lot of responsibility.”

Outlining her priorities, the actor stressed that AMMA’s welfare schemes such as kaineettam (pension) and medical aid would continue without interruption. She also emphasised that decision-making would be a team effort. “I cannot make decisions alone. Mammookka, Lalettan, and Sureshttan have all promised full support. All film organisations have also extended their support. I have been living between Kochi and Mumbai for years. Having assumed this post, I will give it my best,” she said.

The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) extended their congratulations on her victory. Responding to questions about members who resigned from AMMA, Shwetha said she believed reconciliation was possible. “Not all issues can be resolved at once. Major decisions cannot be taken without discussion in the general body. Everyone should come back. Many issues can be resolved by sitting together,” she said. On the ongoing actor assault case, she added, “The case has dragged on for too long. I don’t want to comment much since the matter is sub judice. The survivor in the case should come back and she will have the support of all.”

Shwetha also addressed concerns about the organisation’s membership fees, which some actors have called exorbitant. “I am a member of a similar organisation in Bollywood as well. It is true that the membership fee there is not as high as here, but it is paid annually. Besides, members don’t receive benefits like they do here,” she explained.

On the case filed against her, the newly elected president said she would handle it independently. “I will fight the case personally. I won’t say that AMMA should stand with me. The truth will come out. I have received tremendous support from society,” she said. As she begins her tenure, Shwetha Menon has promised to carry everyone along in AMMA’s journey, signalling a leadership that hopes to balance continuity with reconciliation.