AMMA welcomes Hema panel report; not aware of any ‘power group’: Siddique

Kochi: Denying charges of absconding without responding to the Hema Committee Report, AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) stated its response was delayed as it was busy with a show and that it “welcomes” the panel report in its full sense.

The AMMA’s response to the Hema Committee Report,  which looked into the problems faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, came four days after its release by the Kerala State Government.

AMMA general secretary Siddique said, “The report is welcome. We want the Hema Committee's recommendations to be implemented.” 
Speaking at a press meet here on Friday, Siddique said he is, however, troubled by the comments that all the people in Malayalam cinema are bad.

“Minister Saji Cherian had asked us to submit suggestions in this report. As a part of it, suggestions were submitted by AMMA office bearers. AMMA has done nothing against the release of the report. The Hema Committee Report is not against AMMA. The association is not an accused in it. The report talks about the difficulties faced by our own members. The media often tries to put us in the wrong position. If crimes are committed, the police should file a case and punish the culprits. Amma never tried to protect those who were in opposition,” he  said.

“It is not a good practice to shut down an area because of isolated incidents. I don't know if there is a power group in Malayalam cinema. If only a few decide who should act in a film, how can the movie move forward? All this is said because they do not know the meaning of the word mafia. AMMA is not afraid of police investigation,” Siddique further said.

On ICC, he said, “It is up to the producer to have an Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) at the shoot. AMMA cannot interfere with it.” 

He also denied any rift in the association. “There is no difference in AMMA. It will be considered and decided whether to ask for the names of the hunters to be published. The Hema Committee has not summoned many women who are AMMA officials. A girl's complaint that the director knocked on her door has not come to AMMA’s notice. What Tilakan's daughter said is seriously taken. It is understood that she herself handled it. She did not complain about it to AMMA. 

“I don’t think Parvati seemed to miss any acting opportunities. There are limitations to the AMMA's involvement in the issue of lack of infrastructure for women. It is not correct to say that women do not have facilities now. Now, all that has changed,” he said. 

On casting couch, Siddique said that no action could be taken over it as there is no accurate information about the same.