Actor Shwetha Menon has made history by becoming the first woman president of AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes), marking a new era for the Malayalam film body. In her first interview after taking charge on August 15, Menon said it was time to “unlearn a few things” and give the association a much-needed makeover.
Menon acknowledged the legacy of former leaders like Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Innocent, under whom she worked for years. “We’ve all learned so much from them, but now it’s time to tweak a few things and take this forward. At the very least, I have to ensure AMMA doesn’t collapse,” she said.
Reflecting on Mohanlal’s resignation following the Hema Committee report, Menon suggested the veteran actor may have felt cornered. “It was shocking when Lalettan stepped down. He’s not someone who gives up easily, so it must have been a huge decision for him,” she explained.
Despite the challenges ahead, Menon stressed that her presidency is not about rewriting history but about service. “The work at AMMA is completely selfless. There’s no pay scale, no benefits just commitment,” she said, adding that she is prepared for criticism but focused on building stability within the body. Her appointment is being seen as a significant milestone for women in Malayalam cinema, raising hopes of fresh reforms and inclusivity within the organization.
