Dileep row: We want a dialogue with AMMA's executive members, says WCC members Parvathy, Padmapriya, Revathy

The resignation of four actresses — the assaulted actress, Rima Kallingal, Geetu Mohandas and Remya Nambeesan — from Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), following the decision by AMMA to reinstate Dileep, had rocked the Malayalam film industry. At the same time, questions were raised as to why other prominent members of the Woman in Cinema Collective (WCC) like Parvathy are continuing to be a part of AMMA, and why they did not attend the crucial AMMA meeting which took the controversial decision.As if in response to these questions, three members of the WCC — Revathy, Padmapriya and Parvathy — have requested for a meeting with the new executive members of AMMA, to discuss AMMA’s stand in the actress assault case.

“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 is 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,” they wrote, in a letter addressed to AMMA secretary Edavela Babu. “At the (recent) 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. 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… We 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.”
Padmapriya, one of the three signatories, told us that dialogue is an option that they would like to explore. “It’s important for us to know AMMA’s view point personally and there are also other things we want to discuss with them. After having conversations with them personally, we felt that calling an emergency executive committee meeting is the way forward, being AMMA members as well. We will see if other AMMA members can join us, but we three will definitely be there. We need to hear them out. We will also present our point of view,” she says.

The WCC members have asked for a meeting on July 13 or 14, where they plan to discuss:

Meanwhile, the Women’s Commission has questioned the actions of AMMA to reinstate Dileep. “Even if AMMA did not stand with the victim, it should not have supported an accused. They could have waited for the verdict before making any such decision. Instead, they have supported the more powerful, stronger and richer man, rather than the woman who is weaker in all these aspects,” said Shahida Kamal, Women’s Commission member.