Two key office-bearers of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) on Monday contradicted each other on the issue of reinstatement of actor Dileep, who has been accused in the case of sexual assault and kidnapping of a woman actor.
Actor Jagadeesh, treasurer of the Association, issued a statement in the morning as official spokesperson of the organisation stating that a special general body meeting would be convened to discuss the issue.
“AMMA hopes that a decision could be taken, considering the sentiments of the State’s cultural community — one based on justice and above the rules governing the Association’s general body,” he said.
Mr. Jagadeesh’s remarks came after the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), represented by actors Revathy, Padmapriya, and Parvathy, on Saturday alleged that the artistes’ body was supporting the accused and not standing with the victim in the case.
‘No GBM soon’
Actor Siddique, secretary of the Association, who spoke to the media later in the day at a shooting location in Ezhupunna in Alappuzha along with senior actor K.P.A.C. Lalitha, however, said rejected Mr. Jagadeesh’s view that a special general body meet is unlikely to be convened soon, adding that a meeting is scheduled only next June. “Mr. Dileep had sent his letter of resignation from the Association to Mr. Mohanlal on October 10. A final decision on whether to accept it will be taken by the executive committee,” he said.
In his statement, Mr. Jagadeesh said Mr. Mohanlal was ready to bring back the four members including the assault survivor who had resigned from the Association in protest against the reinstatement of Mr. Dileep. However, Mr. Siddique said they would not be reinstated. He said those who had left the body will remain outside.
Mr. Jagadeesh said he issued the statement after discussing it with Mr. Mohanlal and other executive committee members as the official spokesperson. Mr. Siddique said Mr. Jagadeesh was not the official spokesperson, but the treasurer of the Association. He said the place earned by actors such as Mohanlal, Mammootty and Dileep could not be snatched away by three or four actors.
Ms. Lalitha said the four actors, who had resigned, could be taken back if they apologised.
