Could Actress Shwetha Menon Shatter the Glass Ceiling in AMMA?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shwetha Menon may become AMMA's first female president.
- Jagadish is stepping back to support her candidacy.
- 74 nominations filed for various positions.
- 500 eligible members to vote.
- The deadline for withdrawals is this Thursday.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 29 (NationPress) With only two days remaining for the withdrawal of nominations for the 17-member executive committee of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), there is a significant chance that renowned actress Shwetha Menon may become the first female president in the organization’s nearly three-decade history.
The situation seems favorable following the announcement by actor and comedian Jagadish, aged 70, that he intends to withdraw his nomination for the presidential position.
A total of 74 nomination forms have been submitted for various roles, and clarity regarding Shwetha’s potential historic win or the necessity for voting will only emerge by Thursday—the final day for withdrawal of nominations.
The AMMA governing body consists of the president, two vice-presidents, a general secretary, a joint secretary, a treasurer, and 11 executive members.
Approximately 500 AMMA members will have the right to vote.
In an interview with IANS, Jagadish mentioned that he consulted with esteemed actors Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi prior to submitting his nomination.
“In 2021, there was a widespread sentiment advocating for two women to be appointed as vice-presidents. Upon hearing this, I withdrew my nomination. Now, discussions are surfacing about a woman leading our organization. I believe I shouldn’t hinder that progress,” Jagadish explained.
“After further discussions with the three senior actors, who echoed the same sentiment, I have decided to step aside,” he added.
Nonetheless, he noted that several factors still need to align. “There are four other candidates for the position, including Shwetha. If they do not withdraw, we will proceed to an election. Let’s see if she can be elected unopposed,” Jagadish concluded.