Welfare first, politics last: Devan’s blueprint for AMMA

Devan is a handsome actor who once shone in Malayalam cinema both as hero and villain. Nephew of the acclaimed late filmmaker Ramu Karyatt, Devan remains a shining star not only in Malayalam cinema but also in Tamil, Telugu, and other language films. Besides, he remains active in Malayalam serials too.

Although not an active member of ‘AMMA,’ his name resurfaced prominently following the announcement of elections to the organisation’s governing committee. Devan is now contesting for the presidency of the actors’ body, with actor Shweta Menon also in the fray.

Devan reveals that he has decided to contest after Mohanlal chose not to continue as president. He said that many actors make a living thanks to the assistance from ‘AMMA’, and it was the faces of these artists that motivated him to contest.
In this interview with Manorama Online, Devan discusses in detail the welfare activities he plans to introduce in ‘AMMA’ if elected president. Excerpts:

Why are you contesting for the post of ‘AMMA’ President?
I firmly believe that I will be elected as the ‘AMMA’ President. There is a reason why I chose to contest this election. At the last general meeting of ‘AMMA,’ Mohanlal declared that he is stepping down as president and will never hold an office-bearer position in the future. That saddened us all. We couldn’t imagine ‘AMMA’ without Mohanlal as president. Despite our persuasion, he declined to continue in the post. Instead, he urged us to hold elections to find a fitting successor.

Even then, I believed he would not stay away—he had said something similar during the last elections as well, but eventually yielded to our persuasion. I thought it would be the same this time. However, he declined for good. I waited till the last day for submission of nominations in the hope that Mohanlal would file his nomination. When I learnt he didn’t, I felt anxious about who would be the next president. I had no idea who had filed nominations. I felt that ‘AMMA’ was heading towards a crisis.

I have been closely monitoring the happenings in ‘AMMA.’ The continuation of ‘AMMA’ is not just a need for major actors like Mammootty, Mohanlal or Prithviraj, but for the countless artists subsisting on the assistance provided by ‘AMMA.’ Out of the roughly 500 members, only about 100 get to work. The rest remain without opportunity, some for years. They rely on ‘AMMA’ for support in many ways. Any damage to ‘AMMA’ will badly affect these people. In the hands of the ineligible, ‘AMMA’ risks a crisis. I shared this concern with many friends, and they insisted I should file my nomination.

“There’s unlikely to be any disagreement in your case. No allegations have been made against you. File the nomination, and you can always withdraw later,” they said. Nominations closed at 4 p.m. on that day. I rushed from the shooting set and filed my nomination just before the deadline. That’s how I stepped forward to contest for president, despite not being involved in ‘AMMA’ affairs all these years.

A responsible position
Becoming ‘AMMA’ president is no small feat. It comes with numerous challenges. Even someone like Mohanlal, who is widely accepted, has found it tough. It’s a highly sensitive role. ‘AMMA’ is the product of the hard work of many venerable actors and artists, and it must never fall. Great artists who have passed away would be watching us from the other world.
Another thought that drives me is the many people who survive on ‘AMMA’s’ help. Thinking of them, I couldn’t back out. If elected, I will do everything possible to develop ‘AMMA’ into a model organisation. Many members are bedridden and unable to work. We cannot sit idle thinking about them.

Mohanlal and Mammootty remain with ‘AMMA’
Mohanlal and Mammootty may not be holding any official posts, but their boundless love and support will always be with ‘AMMA.’ They have said, “Don’t think we are not there. We will always support ‘AMMA’ and its activities. It’s just that we will not hold any elected post.”
When they are in office, media spotlight can be overwhelming, which could be hurtful. Hence, someone with the time and dedication to handle organisational affairs should lead ‘AMMA.’ Our dear actors will continue to support us. “You move ahead and we will extend all support,” they have assured.

The distinctive role of ‘AMMA’ in the film industry
I act in four languages and am a member of similar organisations in those industries. But ‘AMMA’ undertakes activities no other organisation does. Stars who earn crores don’t run a charitable organisation like this.

‘AMMA’ conducts many noble activities. For example, the monthly ‘Kaineettam’ of Rs. 5,000 is given to select people. Medical kits worth Rs. 10,000, containing essential medicines, are delivered to select members’ doorsteps. This should continue without interruption. We also have an insurance project providing coverage up to Rs. 5 lakhs.

However, Rs. 5 lakhs is negligible in corporate hospitals today. During such crises, members mobilise funds to help the needy. Most of these activities go unnoticed outside. The negative image of ‘AMMA’ in media and public eyes stems from the fact that many of its noble initiatives are going unrecognised.

Resolving minor disagreements within ‘AMMA’
So far, ‘AMMA’ has carried out many welfare activities honourably. I believe we can do better if I am elected president. I don’t anticipate funding problems. I have plans to raise funds and want to increase the monthly ‘Kaineettam’ from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000.

What ‘AMMA’ needs now is an internal cleansing. Disputes among some members must be resolved through consultations.

Some engage in mud-slinging on social media and these are personal issues that ultimately harm ‘AMMA.’ We must create a climate to bring concerned parties together for dialogue, understand their problems and find solutions. I will work towards this. Minor disagreements can be resolved through mutual consultations. Only after building the right environment within ‘AMMA’ can we move forward with other initiatives.

The serious implications of not paying GST
A major crisis looming over ‘AMMA’ is the non-payment of GST. That no action was taken in this direction is a serious mistake. Ordinary members are unaware of this liability. Not informing others and failing to pay GST was a grave error.
I consulted experts who advised that ‘AMMA’ must pay GST, as revenue from programmes is considered profit. My argument is that it cannot be treated as profit because ‘AMMA’ is a charitable trust.

We have amassed Rs. 234 crores over the years, much of which was given as charity. Yet, authorities do not recognise us as a charitable organisation. After enquiring with its office, I could confirm that AMMA has already received many notices.  When notices are served, we must respond properly, but no such steps have been taken. I intend to study this issue thoroughly and address it effectively.

Securing charitable status for ‘AMMA’
We must plan extensively for fundraising. I doubt there will be a television show soon since the scope for such programmes is declining and funds from channels are dropping.
There is a scheme that benefits charitable organisations, providing monetary assistance. ‘AMMA’ should be brought under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, which would exempt it from income tax.

The government also offers grants to properly functioning charitable bodies, but no effort has been made to benefit from these. We could also access CSR funds from corporate companies. These are challenges which involves huge effort and I wish to tackle if elected president.

Making transparency a priority
I want to streamline the administration office of ‘AMMA,’ which I feel is currently lacking. I plan to professionalise office management, and much needs to be done to achieve this. Everything in ‘AMMA’ must be transparent, with proper accounting of revenue and payment of taxes. There should be a record for everything.

Jobs for all in ‘AMMA’
Another goal is to ensure all members get work. I had proposed this idea when I was on the executive committee, but it was not implemented. Though many Malayalam movies are released, not all members get roles. Only around 100 members get steady work.

Lead actors can earmark one or two roles in their films for ‘AMMA’ members. When roles open, they can recommend members to fill them. In this way, two or three members can be accommodated per film, rotating to include more.

Currently, these roles go to crew members’ friends, which should not happen. Lead actors and actresses must ensure that at least one ‘AMMA’ member benefits from such roles.
When I previously proposed this idea, some argued that AMMA is not a public service commission and that members should find work on their own. But it shouldn’t be that way. Our fellow members deserve opportunities to secure jobs as well.
For many, acting is the sole livelihood. Many members are now left without work. I will strive to ensure every member gets at least one job per month.

Resolving women’s issues and taking action against the guilty
During my press conference, I was asked why no discussions happen when women raise issues. Some sisters shared painful experiences, which were recorded, but the memory card containing the footage reportedly went missing. They fear its release could affect their lives.

This occurred within ‘AMMA.’ I do not know the full details, but I am confident it can be resolved internally, without going to media or public. Those involved may no longer live as they did while sharing their experiences.

I will speak with the concerned parties, and if anyone is guilty, strict action will be taken. Some claim women’s safety doesn’t exist in ‘AMMA.’ That will not be allowed henceforth. Complaints will be received and addressed firmly.

Some believe women’s safety will improve only if ‘AMMA’ is headed by a woman. But that need not be the case. Justice should be ensured without gender discrimination. There will be a dedicated body headed by women to hear women’s issues.
Regardless of who is elected, the need is to lead ‘AMMA’ transparently. Everyone should be treated fairly, regardless of caste, religion, or gender. All voices should be heard and action taken impartially.

Not active in politics
I used to be the BJP Vice President, but no longer hold that post. I was once very active in politics and even contested elections. Now, I am not active politically and plan to focus more on ‘AMMA’ activities.

Enjoying the confidence of ‘AMMA’ members
Before filing my nomination, I was not in ‘AMMA’s’ electoral scene. Things have changed since then, and I have received very positive feedback. Many have pledged support, often reaching out to me first. They are all saying that I will emerge as the winner.
They want someone with a clean record and no allegations to lead. Many believe I will win.

‘AMMA’ has the backing of Mammootty and Mohanlal, though they cannot openly support any candidate due to their positions. They wish talented people capable of serving ‘AMMA’ to come forward. I believe I have their mental support. Their encouragement gives me courage.

Innocent’s term as president was the golden age of ‘AMMA’
The case against Shwetha Menon, my fellow contestant, was very strange. No artist should have faced such cruelty. Allegations suggest some ‘AMMA’ members were behind it, which I find baseless. I do not believe anyone in ‘AMMA’ would do such a thing.

I think it was the act of someone holding a grudge against Shwetha Menon, possibly an attempt from outside forces to disrupt ‘AMMA’s’ election. This allegation will not stand. Despite minor disputes, no one in ‘AMMA’ would stoop so low. After all, everyone is an artist here. Raising such allegations against her for acting in some movies is indeed absurd. I feel this was done by someone who is nursing a personal rivalry with Shwetha Menon.

The great Thilakan chettan used to say that artists are people with intense humanity. I stand by that. ‘AMMA’ was built by such great artists, and we must maintain the organisation’s dignity during this election.
The president’s post was held by Innocent chettan for 17 years. I believe his term was the golden age of ‘AMMA.’ Innocent cared for everyone, ensuring happiness and avoiding complaints. I wish for such a golden era to dawn again on ‘AMMA.’