historicalmilestone achieved as a female leader is elected as the president of AMMA after 31 years
In a groundbreaking move for the Malayalam film industry, Shwetha Menon has been elected as the President of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA). The election, held in Kochi, saw over 290 members out of a total of 504 casting their votes, marking a significant turnout.
Menon, an accomplished actress, model, television anchor, and beauty pageant winner, is predominantly known for her work in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu cinema. Born on April 23, 1974, to Malayali parents in Chandigarh, she began her career in Malayalam films in the early 1990s and gained early recognition through beauty pageants, notably winning Femina Miss India Asia Pacific in 1994.
Her journey in Malayalam cinema has been marked by powerful performances in films like Paleri Manikyam and Salt N' Pepper, for which she has won two Kerala State Film Awards for Best Actress and two Filmfare Awards South. Her significance in the Malayalam film industry extends beyond acting; she became the first woman to be elected president of AMMA in 2025, a historic moment in the typically male-dominated leadership of the organization.
The election of Menon as AMMA president marks the first time a woman has held the position. Notably, Devan and Raveendran were defeated in the elections for president and general secretary, respectively. Actor Jagadeesh, who initially contested for the presidential seat, withdrew his candidacy after extending his support for a woman president.
The election has set the stage for a keen battle between Menon and Devan for the AMMA presidency. The Hema Committee report led to the resignation of Mohanlal and facilitated the election of a new AMMA committee. Senior actors, including Mohanlal and Mammootty, have extended their support for women in lead roles in AMMA.
Menon, expressing her happiness over her election, seeks support from all members, including veteran actors, to unify AMMA. The new executive committee, which includes Jayan Cherthala and Lakshmipriya as vice presidents, Kukku Parameshwaran as the general secretary, and Actor Unni Shivapal as the treasurer, is expected to work towards this goal.
Women have been elected to the posts of vice president, joint secretary, and member of the executive committee in AMMA before, but this is the first time a woman has held the position of president or general secretary. Menon's election as AMMA president is a testament to her influence and significance in the Malayalam film community and a step towards greater gender equality in the industry.
- In the realm of finance, the increase in subscription-based streaming platforms is altering the business model of the entertainment industry, including the Malayalam film industry.
- Considering her vast experience in health-and-wellness industry and women's health, it wouldn't be surprising to see Shwetha Menon's influence extend beyond acting, into producing films with relevant and empowering themes.
- The victory of Shwetha Menon in the AMMA elections has sparked a trend in other industries, with some calling for science and technology sectors to follow suit and promote more female leaders.
- The lifestyle changes and fashion trends driven by women, such as the rise in organic products and sustainable practices, have significantly impacted the fashion-and-beauty industry.
- Some experts argue that the economic growth of developing countries will be directly affected by the empowerment and equal representation of women in various industries, including finance, business, and health-and-wellness sectors.
