‘Resignation was out of self-respect, not weakness’: Shwetha Menon on quitting AMMA
Kochi: Popular actress Shwetha Menon has clarified her reasons for stepping down as the president of the film actors' association, AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists). Breaking her silence in a detailed Facebook post, the actress stated that her exit was driven by self-respect rather than weakness, following a barrage of baseless character assassination and personal abuse.
Expressing gratitude to those who stood by her, Shwetha stressed the importance of presenting her side of the story directly to the public. She revealed that her decision to quit was driven by her outright refusal to be used as a political or administrative puppet by hidden hands.
According to her post, targeted smear campaigns and fabricated allegations involving individuals like Crime Nandakumar and Martin Menachery had been unleashed against her even before the AMMA elections. Despite the hostile environment, she secured a victory with the backing of a majority of the association's members and maintained that she served the body to the best of her abilities.
Calls for forensic audit and political clarification
Shwetha sharply criticised certain vested interests within the guild, alleging that they deliberately blocked any opportunity to investigate the questionable activities of past committee members. She demanded a complete overhaul and examination of the association's financial dealings over recent years, insisting on a forensic review to establish total transparency and absolute accountability.
She further noted that character assassination attempts using "newly imported characters" have persisted even after her resignation. Addressing whispers regarding her political affiliations, Shwetha firmly rejected any partisan branding, pointing out that she had routinely stayed away from official events hosted by both the BJP-led Central Government and the former LDF-led state government, despite receiving invitations.
Shwetha concluded her post by noting that as an independent woman with strong convictions, resigning was the only dignified path forward when facing relentless personal insults. Hinting that more revelations are on the way, she signed off with a classic cinematic teaser.
The actress's statement follows dramatic scenes at the AMMA general body meeting held in Kochi on June 21, which culminated in the mass resignation of the entire 17-member executive committee led by Shwetha Menon and general secretary Kuku Parameswaran, less than a year into their elected term.