'How many men are there like Mammootty? His wife is a virtuous woman': Jeeja Surendran

Jeeja Surendran is a film and serial actress who is well-known to Malayalis through her comedy roles. Jeeja has spoken out about the recent allegations of sexual harassment in the Malayalam cinema industry. The actress opined that revelations made by some actresses about this years after the incident can only be seen as a joke. She added that Malayalam cinema needs actors like Mammootty. Jeeja shared her thoughts in an interview granted to a YouTube channel.

Jeeja's words:

"Associate director Santhivila Dinesh talks about many things in Malayalam cinema. He says it with courage. I haven't had that much experience. I don't have the courage to speak out so openly. I have some policies of my own. If I have any bad experiences, I will speak out.

All actresses choose acting to make a living. We don't get a monthly salary. If directors and producers say bad things about us, we won't get a chance. However, there are those who make things up and talk about it behind our back. Some actresses praise and encourage them to win their favour. I'm not such a person. Recently, I heard some allegations going around that actors have been sexually abusive.

This is not something that happens with actors only. It's not just in cinema. It's the same in any field. So I can only see all those complaints as a joke. It all happened years ago. Now they have come up with complaints in the name of enmity. All those actors are suffering just because they are men. However, I am not saying all actors are fully innocent.

How many men are there like Mammootty? Have you heard any news like this about him? Sukumari chechi introduced Mammootty to me. Everyone says that he is a serious person. Mammootty has tremendous respect for women. He considered Sukumari chechi like his own mother. Mammootty's wife is a virtuous woman. The same is true of his children. She manages the family with such patience. The same is true of Mohanlal's wife. As soon as he gives us a handshake, we get positive energy."