AMMA President Shwetha Menon, executive committee resign after stormy general body neeting

Mangalore Today News Network

Kochi, Jun 22, 2026: AMMA president Shwetha Menon and the 17-member executive committee resigned on Sunday following heated exchanges and dramatic developments at the annual general body meeting of the actors’ association.

The resignations came after a marathon meeting during which members raised objections to the adoption of the annual report and statement of accounts. A section of members questioned the transparency of the income and expenditure details presented by General Secretary Kuku Parameswaran, leading to sharp disagreements.

As tensions escalated, Menon announced her resignation as president. Later, she informed reporters that the entire executive committee had also stepped down.

“All executive committee members have resigned. I have also resigned from the primary membership of AMMA and am no longer associated with the organisation,” Menon said.

She alleged that the association’s treasurer was unavailable and that accounts for a specific period could not be produced. According to her, while the present committee’s accounts from September 1 onwards were properly maintained, unresolved issues from the previous committee’s tenure remained.

Menon further claimed that efforts were being made to return control of the organisation to individuals who had previously faced allegations. She also alleged that some members were pressured into signing a no-confidence motion against the executive committee.

Following the meeting, veteran actor Mallika Sukumaran acknowledged that mistakes had been made by the outgoing committee and said the organisation should be led by individuals who understand the film industry and can effectively represent its concerns.

Sources said alleged financial irregularities emerged as a major issue during the meeting and ultimately triggered the mass resignation. An ad hoc committee comprising nine members has reportedly been formed, with MLA and actor Ramesh Pisharody serving as convener. Former minister-actor K B Ganesh Kumar and actor Suresh Krishna are among its members.

The committee has been given four months to oversee the association’s affairs and decide on the schedule for the next election.

The developments drew mixed reactions. Actor Jagadish said no personal attacks were made against Menon but noted that members felt she had failed to fulfil certain responsibilities as president. Actor Bheeman Reghu said her style of functioning had upset several members.

Actor Baburaj criticised the outgoing leadership, while actor Anoop Chandran argued that the issues stemmed from inexperience and could have been resolved without disbanding the committee.

The resignations mark a major setback for the leadership elected in August last year, when women were chosen to head AMMA for the first time in the organisation’s history. Menon was elected president, while Kuku Parameswaran became general secretary. Actors Ansiba Hasan and Lakshmi Priya were elected joint secretary and vice-president, respectively. Ansiba Hasan had recently resigned, citing internal differences within the organisation.

Responding to the developments, Kerala Minister for Cultural Affairs and Cinema P C Vishnunadh described the matter as an internal issue and said there was no need for government intervention.