Not invited to function where Resul Pookutty took over as chairman, Prem Kumar expresses displeasure

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former chairman and actor Prem Kumar openly said that he was not invited to the function where the new governing body of the Chalachitra Academy is taking over. Prem Kumar's absence from the function was widely noticed. He has now responded to it. While talking to the media, he said that he was not informed about his removal from the post and Resul Pookutty taking over the new post, and the action pained him. He clarified that he is not interested in responding to speculations.

He said that he accepted the government's decision and gave his full support to the new governing body. He said that he would have definitely attended if he had received an official invitation. He added that Malayalam cinema began in the era of silent films and that it is symbolic that an Oscar-winning actor has now taken over its power.

Meantime, there are allegations that he was removed from the post of chairman for supporting the strike staged by ASHA workers. Criticisms against the government's action were circulating on social media. He said that he does not know whether he was removed from the post of chairman because he supported the ASHAS. However, he was not ready to comment further on the issue.

Following the Hema Committee report, a case of sexual harassment was registered against the then chairman, director Ranjith. After he resigned as the chairman of the Chalachitra Academy, Prem Kumar was given temporary charge. Resul Pookutty took charge as the new chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy and Cuckoo Parameswaran as the new vice-chairperson the other day.