Parvathy, Padmapriya and Revathy ask AMMA for emergency meeting to discuss about the decision to reinstate Dileep
For the last few days, Malayalam film industry has once again been in a spot of bother. The decision to reinstate actor Dileep to the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) has now turned into a big issue within the industry. Dilewp was suspended from AMMA last year after his alleged involevment in the actress-abuse case. The newly formed executive committee’s decision to reinstate the actor was questioned by the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) members. The survivor along with actors Remya Nambeesan, Rima Kallingal and Geetu Mohandas resigned from the association on Wednesday.
Following their resignation, there were talks in social media about why Parvathy, one of the founding members of the WCC, has not yet resigned and why she didn’t make any statement regarding this. Putting an end to all the talks, Parvathy along with Revathy and Padmapriya have forwarded a letter to AMMA requesting for an emergency executive meeting to discuss about their decision to revoke Dileep’s suspension.
WCC’s post on their social media handle reads,
In solidarity with our colleagues who took a brave stand yesterday! Always #Avalkoppam.
We at WCC believe that constructive dialogue as well as action is essential for real change. Each one of us are shocked at the decision made at the previous general body meeting of AMMA. Hence we as AMMA members have sought a meeting with the new executive committee as explained in our letter. All members of AMMA had condemned that heinous act of assault on the survivor. All members of AMMA had pledged complete support to the survivor.
But this last decision of AMMA directly contradicts all of that. Hence we want to know where AMMA really stands on this issue.
Sharing the official letter sent to AMMA !
To,
Shree Edavela Babu,
General Secretary, AMMA
Dear Sir,
We are writing this letter to express our concern as women members of AMMA on the recent decision to bring back the expelled member (Dileep) in the general body meeting held on 24th June 2018. At this meeting, a very crucial decision was taken regarding a member who was expelled due to his involvement in the alleged assault of one of AMMA’s women members. Considering the gravity of the circumstances and the matter being sub-judice, it is shocking that such an important matter was decided without listing it on the agenda or being discussed among all members prior to the meeting.
AMMA had publicly pledged full support to the member who survived the assault but the decision taken at the said meeting for reinstating the expelled member who is now a charge sheeted suspect, goes against the promise made by AMMA to the survivor.
As a result, yesterday, the survivor has resigned and in solidarity with her three other women members have also resigned. They have clearly stated their reasons and this does not reflect well on AMMA and what it does for the welfare of its women members. We as members of AMMA urge that AMMA upholds the promise it has made and should not go back on its word. Particularly so as this matter is still under legal and media scrutiny and there is strong public outcry about it.
We were unable to attend the said meeting as we were not in station and were unaware about 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).
We understand from AMMA officials that under such exceptional circumstances there is a provision for an Emergency Executive Body Meeting to be called to address our concerns. We request for the same to be called so that we may participate, discuss & understand:
1. The expelled member’s reinstatement & the implications of AMMA’s decision.
2. The steps taken by AMMA to support the survivor.
3. How AMMAs bye-laws are structured to ensure welfare of all its members.
4. What AMMA can do to make women feel more included and safe.
As members who do not reside/ are not present in Kerala we are requesting the meeting to take place on either 13th or 14th of July 2018.
As members of AMMA we genuinely believe that at this critical point we will come together to serve the best interests of all our members.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Revathy Asha Kelunni, Padmapriya Janakiraman, Parvathy.
Life Members of AMMA.
28th June 2018
