New Delhi: Actor Shwetha Menon is no stranger to bold choices, and now, she’s making history as the first female president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Speaking at the India Today Conclave South 2025 in Coimbatore, she opened up about the pressures of her new role, the fallout of the Hema Committee report, and what still needs to change in Malayalam cinema.

Headlining a session titled "The Changemaker: Safe Spaces and Gender Parity in Cinema," Shwetha made it clear that she’s not here to play it safe.

“If you have known me for 34 years, you know I am a strong and opinionated person. I have not been a mouthpiece of anyone. I have my own personality and that's my strength. The responsibility [of being AMMA president] is huge, but allow us to breathe in.”

“Legal mother of 504 children”

Setting the tone with sharp wit, Shwetha addressed the often-debated name of the organisation:

“That is because people don't know how the name was registered. It was always registered as AMMA, not A.M.M.A. There are no dots in between. And I am the legal mother of 504 children.”

Hema Committee

She didn’t shy away from discussing the Hema Committee report, which exposed serious issues within the Malayalam film industry.

“It's too soon to say what's going to be happening in my leadership. It [the report] was an eye-opener, and opened up many closets.”

She praised the courage of those who spoke up, and credited the committee for challenging the industry's long-standing silence:

“I commend the women who spoke up and the committee for exposing deep-rooted issues.”

Support from the stars

While change often invites resistance, Shwetha says she's found strong support from within the fraternity — including industry giants:

“Yesterday, we had a film chamber meeting and that's when I was told that Mohanlal sir said that he'd support the new committee. That's a big blessing. To have patrons like Mohanlal, Mammootty and Suresh Gopi with us, what more do we need?”

Attacked but undeterred

Just before the AMMA elections, Shwetha faced a legal case alleging she acted in “obscene” films — a move widely seen as an attempt to discredit her.

“More the enemies, the more I excel. The case was shattering as a person. The films, which were mentioned, fetched me a state award. No one has ever been exposed to such a case. I was confused if I should back out of the election and fight the case. It's my family's support that made me go ahead. Then I became a fiery tigress.”

Improving working conditions

She also addressed how basic facilities, like makeup vans and private changing areas, are finally becoming the norm — not the exception.

“When the Hema Committee report came, they spoke to a few people who mentioned the lack of changing rooms.”

“We have come a long way now. It's also an individualistic fight we have to do. Today, a make-up van is provided in an industry which works on modest budgets. We're working on it, and you won't be getting any of these complaints under my leadership.”

Working mothers in Cinema

Drawing from her own experience as a working mother, Shwetha advocated for flexible working hours — especially for pregnant women and new mothers.

“When I was pregnant, I did four movies. I did have fixed hours and I spoke to directors about it.”

“It's a matter of communication. When people don't do it, problems arise. I used to urge people to come and open up about their problems, but nobody does. But, I understand not all people have the background to voice their concerns. I won't push them.”

Content is queen

Shwetha stressed that for her, storytelling has always taken precedence over star power or gender roles.

“I have always believed that content works. I have done many of these female-oriented films. A movie is not about a man or a woman. But, to get the content is important. 'Lokah', Malayalam cinema's first female superhero film, is the talking point now. It's exciting.”

Reflecting on the success of Salt and Pepper, she noted:

“Every 5 to 10 years, cinema keeps changing. Content matters. When we did 'Salt and Pepper', we never thought of it as a path-breaking new era. I am very happy. I am waiting for another miracle to happen for myself.”

But she also pointed out the realities behind the scenes:

“I am glad that 'Lokah' is a film that has broken the barrier. But, we have to remember that it is backed by a man. So we need a man to back us up to be able to give more such gems.”

Still waiting for that role

When asked why the actor in her has been missing from recent projects, Shwetha was candid:

“I am waiting for some good scripts to happen. The moment you get married, or you become a mother, the outlook changes. But, I believe something is waiting for me.”

She added that Kerala’s audience is evolving too:

“I can see a change in Kerala and I think I walked in earlier. I was genuinely lucky and that I could do what I did a decade before. I am waiting for what's next in my career.”