The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) has invited three members of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) for talks in Kochi on August 7 based on their letter seeking a discussion on the decision taken at the general body meeting of the association on June 24 to reinstate actor Dileep , key accused in the alleged abduction and sexual assault of a woman actor.
"We have invited our members that include Revathi, Padmapriya, and Parvathy for the talks on August 7. The association's executive committee meeting will also be held on the occasion," said AMMA general secretary 'Edavela' Babu.
The 3 actors' letter to AMMA
In their letter,the three actors had pointed out that it was shocking that such an important matter (reinstatement of Dileep) to the association was decided without listing it on the agenda or being discussed among all members prior to the meeting.
“We were unable to attend the said meeting as we were not in station and were unaware of this matter being discussed at the meeting. [If we had known we would have surely raised our concerns at the meeting prior to such a decision being made],” it said.
The actors had also sought an explanation on Dileep's reinstatement and the implications of the AMMA decision; the steps taken by the association to support the survivor; how the association by-laws are structured to ensure welfare of all its members; and what it can do to make women feel more included and safe.
Mr. Babu pointed out that AMMA president Mohanlal had given the replies to the questions posed by the three actors at a media interaction held in Kochi on July 9.
Mohanlal had said the general body decision to reinstate Dileep was 'unanimous'. He had also claimed that the issue was included in the agenda of the meeting. He said that the decision to expel Dileep taken at a meeting of the available executive committee members held at the residence of actor Mamootty was against the rules of the organisation. Hence it was frozen.
Mohanlal had also said the AMMA's by-laws would be be amended to ensure increased participation of women.
