History was made this Thursday at the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) elections. Shwetha Menon, a name long familiar in Indian cinema, stepped into a new role. She is now the first woman to lead AMMA as its president. This win marks a significant moment for the organization.
The election results were close, adding to the drama. Shwetha Menon secured 159 votes, triumphing over her opponent, Devan, who received 132 votes. A total of 298 members cast their ballots, showing strong engagement from the film community. Her victory truly signals a shift in the landscape of the Malayalam film industry’s key artists’ body.
After her big win, Shwetha Menon shared her excitement. As reported by The Hindu, she said, “You said that AMMA needs a female leadership and today that day has come.” She has big plans for her tenure. Her main goals are to unite the organization and bring about positive changes. She even intends to personally invite back members who left AMMA due to past disagreements. Shwetha also expressed a desire for cooperation with the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), warmly calling them a part of the AMMA family.
A Fresh Start for AMMA
Shwetha Menon’s leadership ushers in a new phase for AMMA. The election also saw other key positions filled. Kuku Parameswaran was elected General Secretary with a solid 172 votes. Lakshmipriya secured the Vice President role, garnering 139 votes. With this new team, there’s a buzz about what the future holds for the artists’ association. Shwetha herself believes in the power of performance, stating, “There is no discrimination in cinema, only characters. An artist’s life is between ‘action’ and ‘cut’.” Her words suggest a focus on craft and collaboration, promising a vibrant era for AMMA.
Meet Shwetha Menon
For those unfamiliar, Shwetha Menon is a true powerhouse in the entertainment world. She’s an Indian actress, a captivating television anchor, and a successful model. While she’s primarily known for her work in Malayalam cinema, she has also graced Hindi films with her talent. Her journey began in the early 1990s as a model. She even made it to the top 5 at the Femina Miss India competition in 1994.
Shwetha made her acting debut in the Malayalam film ‘Anaswaram’. She later starred in popular Hindi movies like ‘Bandhan’, ‘Ishq’, and ‘Ashoka’. Her remarkable performances in Malayalam cinema, particularly in films like ‘Paleri Manikyam’ and ‘Salt N’ Pepper’, earned her two Kerala State Film Awards. Her career journey shows she’s not afraid to take on challenges, making her a perfect fit to lead AMMA into its next chapter.