Could Actress Shwetha Menon Shatter the Glass Ceiling in AMMA?
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Synopsis
As the deadline for AMMA nominations approaches, actress Shwetha Menon stands on the brink of making history. Will she become the first woman president of a male-dominated organization? With influential voices supporting her, the outcome could change the landscape of Malayalam cinema forever.
Key Takeaways
- Shwetha Menon is poised to become the first female president of AMMA.
- Veteran actor Jagadish has withdrawn his nomination, supporting women's leadership.
- The last date for withdrawal of nominations is Thursday.
- There are 74 nominations for various posts within AMMA.
- About 500 members have the right to vote.
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 the acclaimed actress Shwetha Menon may become the first female president in the organization’s 30-year history, which has been predominantly male.
It seems the path has been cleared after veteran actor and comedian, Jagadish, aged 70, announced his intention to withdraw his nomination for the presidential position.
A total of 74 nomination forms have been submitted for various positions, and clarity on whether Shwetha will indeed make history or if an election will be necessary for the top post and others won’t be known until Thursday, the final date for withdrawal.
The AMMA executive committee comprises the president, two vice-presidents, the general secretary, the joint secretary, the treasurer, and 11 executive members.
Approximately 500 AMMA members possess the right to vote.
In an interview with IANS, Jagadish mentioned that he had sought advice from prominent actors Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi before submitting his nomination.
“In 2021, there was a general consensus that two women should be appointed as vice-presidents. When I heard that, I withdrew my nomination at that time. Now, there’s talk of a woman leading our organization. I felt it was best not to obstruct that,” said Jagadish.
“I consulted with the three senior actors again, and they shared the same perspective. Hence, I’ve decided to step aside,” he informed IANS.
Nonetheless, he noted that several factors still need to align. “There are four other candidates for the position, including Shwetha. If the others do not withdraw, we will proceed to an election. Let’s wait and see if she is elected unopposed,” added Jagadish.
Point of View
The potential election of Shwetha Menon as AMMA’s first female president signifies a shift towards inclusivity in a historically male-dominated realm. This change not only reflects evolving societal norms but also highlights the importance of representation in leadership roles. As the nation watches, the outcome could inspire future generations of women in cinema.
NationPress
30/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shwetha Menon?
Shwetha Menon is a popular actress in the Malayalam film industry, known for her notable performances and contributions to cinema.
What is AMMA?
AMMA stands for the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, a prominent organization representing artists in the Malayalam film industry.
What does it mean for a woman to become the president of AMMA?
If elected, Shwetha Menon would make history as the first female president of AMMA, marking a significant advancement in gender equality within the organization.
Why did Jagadish withdraw his nomination?
Jagadish withdrew his nomination to support the idea of a female leader, reflecting a growing sentiment among industry veterans to promote women's leadership.
How many members are eligible to vote in AMMA?
Approximately 500 AMMA members are eligible to cast their votes in the upcoming elections.
