• Source:JND
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Actress Shwetha Menon has been elected as the first-ever female president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Shwetha won the election with 159 votes against her opponent Devan's 132 votes. In her victory speech, she emphasised inclusion and healing, extending an olive branch to estranged members, including survivors of the actress assault case, inviting them to return to AMMA.

In a conversation with Matrubhumi, Shwetha Menon said, "There are many issues that need to be resolved. We cannot remain stuck on just one point. She was once part of the organisation but chose to resign. If she returns, it would be welcome. But if you ask whether it’s an urgent agenda item, it is not. I am not bringing in rules from my own household. There are specific rules and bylaws that apply to reinstating former members."

"Those who left AMMA should come back. That’s the wish of the majority of our members. Everyone wonders why they distanced themselves. Personally, I wish for their return. Maybe one meeting won’t be enough — it might take ten or even a hundred meetings. I hope the executive committee and general body will support my personal mission. As the president, I will take the initiative," she further added.

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Senior Malayalam actor Siddique resigned as general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) in August 2024 after a female actor accused him of rape and sexual assault. The allegations surfaced in 2019 through a Facebook post and resurfaced after the release of the Hema Committee Report, which highlighted systemic issues of abuse and harassment in the Malayalam film industry.

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According to the survivor, the incident occurred in 2016 when Siddique allegedly invited her to a hotel under the guise of discussing a film project and then sexually assaulted her. Following intense criticism and scrutiny, Siddique stepped down from his position, citing that continuing in the role would be an insult to the organisation. AMMA members, including Mala Parvathy and Anoop Chandran, welcomed Siddique's resignation, emphasising the need to address serious allegations.