Thiruvananthapuram: After assuming charge as the Vice Chairperson of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, actress Kukku Parameswaran spoke to the media, saying she learned about her appointment only late Friday night and was happy to take up the responsibility. She also explained on the absence of former chairman Premkumar from the ceremony of the new members.

“Premkumar is my senior; I have studied under him. I came to know about my appointment only late last night, and it was while journalists were calling me that I found out. That is why I couldn’t call him. I will call him soon. It’s not necessary for the outgoing chairman to be present when a new one assumes charge. Even when the previous chairman took charge, his predecessor wasn’t present. This isn’t a baton-passing ceremony. I’m sure he has been officially informed, and I’ll have his full support,” she said.

“Cinema is my passion. Not just acting — I’m happy to be involved in films in any capacity. I believe I’ll be able to contribute something meaningful here,” she added.

Kukku Parameswaran also serves as the General Secretary of the actors association AMMA.

Oscar winner Resul Pookutty has taken charge as the Chairman of the Academy, while C. Ajoy is the Secretary. Members of the General Council include Santosh Keezhattoor, Nikhila Vimal, B. Rakesh, Sudheer Karamana, Reji M. Damodaran, Sithara Krishnakumar, Minhaj Mader, Sohan Seenulal, G.S. Vijayan, Syam Pushkaran, Amal Neerad, Saju Navodaya, N. Arun, Poojappura Radhakrishnan, and U. Sreeganesh.

Actor Premkumar, who was the Vice Chairman, had been handling the duties of Chairman after director Ranjith stepped down.