How the mighty have fallen

A statement appeared on Wednesday noon, informing media that the office-bearers of AMMA have voluntarily resigned from their posts taking moral responsibility in the context of sexual allegation charges against some of their senior members.

The existing committee will function on an ad hoc basis for two months till the arrival of the new governing body. The outreach and health assistance provided to the members will continue unhindered. Actor Mohanlal thanked all members for their cooperation and also wished good luck to the upcoming committee in their endeavours.

General Secretary Siddique had earlier resigned after facing allegations of sexual harassment. AMMA then planned to fill the void with actor Baburaj but he too soon fell under the shadow of allegation from a junior artist.

Many allegations have previously reached the doors of AMMA, but the organisation kept firm on its blasé attitude and cared not to respond. Despite scores of actors and actresses, AMMA mostly functioned under the halo of a few top actors now infamously quoted as a ‘power group’. The current flurry of allegations however will not take away the good deeds provided by the organisation including health and financial assistance to hundreds of retired artists.

After the release of the Hema committee report, all eyes were fixated on the sexual misconduct allegations while some grave charges have gone unnoticed. Except for top actors, many other artists including junior artists are victims of fraud in the industry. They are roped in to act for a promised remuneration but are not given the exact amount after the completion of the shoot.

Controversies are no new to AMMA organisation. Throughout the years, the oragansiation sailed through turbulent waters, wriggling out successfully from Dileep, Thilakan and WCC issues. And now, with the president dissolving the panel, the organisation is demanding an ablution to wash away the sins of the past. There were signs of totalitarian tendencies within the organisation which forced them to occasionally ban talented actors citing vague reasons. It is now the onus of the upcoming office bearers to amend the bylaw of the organisation and eradicate the provision of banning artists.

Also pertinent is the need to bring back members of WCC, back to the organisation. Democracy should thrive while totalitarian tendencies should be shown the door. Work out ways to upend the organisation into something every Malayalam artist can be proud of.