“I stayed silent and won, and I am indeed happy. For me, all that matters now is the smooth running of AMMA,” said Shwetha Menon after scripting history by becoming the first woman president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).
In a closely fought election, Shwetha secured 159 votes, defeating veteran actor Devan, who received 132. Six votes were invalid. This milestone marked a turning point in the organisation’s four-decade history, sparking celebrations among members.
A United Front After a Tough Contest
Shwetha expressed gratitude for the support she received and appealed for unity within the organisation. “There is no man or woman here; we are all one,” she said, urging members to stand together.
Meanwhile, Kuku Parameswaran was elected general secretary with 172 votes against Ravindran’s 115, while Ansiba Hassan became joint secretary unopposed.
Despite the intense competition, Devan showed remarkable sportsmanship by leading the oath-taking ceremony, declaring, “If Shwetha Menon is AMMA’s mother, then I am AMMA’s father. I will always be with Shwetha.”
Festive Mood as AMMA Welcomes First Woman Leader
The election drew a record turnout, with actor Jagadeesh lauding the healthy debates and enthusiasm. Even those who had earlier opposed Shwetha, like Usha Haseena, acknowledged the fairness of the process and expressed hope for future unity.
By the time results were announced, the atmosphere was festive. Members hugged, congratulated each other, and celebrated the arrival of a woman leader at the helm of AMMA — a moment seen as a historic breakthrough for Malayalam cinema’s artists’ body.
