Kochi – In a historic first for the Malayalam film industry, actresses Shwetha Menon and Kukku Parameswaran have been elected president and general secretary, respectively, of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).
This is the first time in the organisation’s 30-year history that women will hold its two top positions, which have traditionally been dominated by men. Until now, female members served only in roles such as vice-president, joint secretary, or committee member.
Menon narrowly defeated actor and BJP leader Devan, winning 159 votes to his 132, while Parameswaran secured a more comfortable margin, garnering 172 votes against Raveendran’s 115.
Other elected office bearers include Jayan Cherthalla and Laxmi Priya as vice-presidents, Unni Shivapal as treasurer, and Anzeeba Hassan as joint secretary (unopposed). The committee will comprise Sharayu, Anjali Nair, Asha Aravind, Sajitha, Neena Kurup, Joy Mathew, Kailas, Nandu, Dr Ronnie, Sijoy, Vinu, Tiny Tom, and Santhosh.
In a rare show of sportsmanship, Devan, despite losing, administered the oath to the new team. “AMMA’s mother is Shwetha, and I am the father. I am very happy for her, and we must all support the new leadership,” he said.
Thanking members for their support, Menon pledged unity and outreach. “Now that the elections are over, we will work together. I will personally reach out to members who have been distant. Our first meeting will be held soon to address pending issues,” she said.
Out of over 500 members, 298 voted in the election. The race gained momentum when veteran actor Jagadish withdrew his presidential nomination to support Menon’s bid, after which Devan entered the contest, stating that a woman should run in the best interests of AMMA.
State Film Minister Saji Cherian hailed the result as both a symbolic and practical step toward gender inclusivity in Malayalam cinema’s most influential artists’ body.
With inputs from IANS