Over nine months after the mass resignation of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) office bearers, including president Mohanlal — in response to the Justice Hema Committee’s findings and multiple sexual misconduct allegations involving its key executive members such as general secretary and actor Siddique — the organisation is finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel as its general body meeting approaches. A decision regarding the new leadership is expected to be made during the meeting, reportedly scheduled for June 22.
Meanwhile, a new report has emerged stating that Mohanlal has expressed interest in resuming the presidency of the association, provided the ad-hoc committee permits it. “The ad-hoc committee recently convened and requested that Mohanlal continue as president. He agreed to stay on, but only if the previous members were allowed to remain in their positions. Mohanlal expressed that he is not interested in running for another election, and he would step down if the general body, which will meet on June 22, seeks a poll,” Jayan Cherthala, ad-hoc committee vice-president, told Onmanorama.
He continued, “This decision reflects the consensus of the entire ad-hoc committee, and we hope to maintain our roles. We will present this proposal to the general body, and if they approve it, we will retain our leadership. We believe that Mohanlal is the only suitable candidate for president because we firmly feel that star power is essential for advancing our association. No one other than a star should hold the presidency.”
The ad-hoc committee was formed following the mass resignation of its office bearers, in order to oversee essential functions, including the distribution of welfare measures to members and coordinating office matters. When asked about the status of Siddique, who faces allegations of sexual assault, and if he would be reinstated, Jayan stated that the association would support its members until proven guilty in court.
