Shwetha Menon Steps Down as AMMA President

The president of the actors' organization AMMA, Shwetha Menon, along with the 17-member executive committee, submitted their resignations on Sunday. This decision followed a dramatic and heated annual general body meeting marked by intense exchanges among members. The core of the dispute centered on the passage of the annual report and the statement of accounts presented by General Secretary Kuku Parameswaran. Several members questioned the clarity of income and expenditure details. Menon alleged that the organization's treasurer was unavailable, preventing the presentation of accounts for a specific period. She noted that accounts from September 1 onwards were in order, but unresolved issues persisted from the previous committee's tenure. Menon further claimed an effort was underway to reinstate individuals previously accused of misconduct. She asserted her unwillingness to be a 'puppet' leader. Veteran actor Mallika Sukumaran acknowledged that the executive committee had made mistakes and emphasized the need for leadership knowledgeable in the film industry. Sources indicated that alleged financial irregularities were a primary cause for the mass resignation. An ad hoc committee is expected to be formed to manage the organization until new leadership is elected. This event marks a significant setback for the leadership elected in August of the previous year, which notably included women in top positions for the first time in AMMA's history. State Minister for Cultural Affairs and Cinema P C Vishnunadh characterized the situation as an internal matter not requiring government intervention.