Actor Shwetha Menon has finally broken her silence on her resignation from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), making it clear that her decision was driven by self-respect and not by pressure or weakness. Days after the entire executive committee stepped down along with her, the actor shared a strongly worded statement on social media, opening up about the circumstances that led to her exit.
In her note, Shwetha thanked those who stood by her and said she felt it was important to present her side of the story directly to the public. She revealed that she chose to resign because she refused to become a “puppet” for anyone.
According to Shwetha, attempts were made to tarnish her image even before the AMMA elections. She claimed that certain individuals, including Crime Nandakumar and Martin Menachery, were used to spread misinformation and level false allegations against her. Despite the controversies, she said she won the elections with the support of a majority of AMMA members and worked honestly to fulfil her responsibilities.
However, she alleged that vested interests within the organisation prevented her committee from investigating the alleged irregularities committed by members of previous administrations.
Calls For A Forensic Audit
Shwetha stressed that the financial accounts of both the previous committees and her own tenure should be thoroughly examined. She demanded a forensic audit to ensure complete transparency and accountability within the organisation.
“The accounts of the past two terms, including ours, should be reviewed. A forensic audit should be conducted so that the truth comes out,” she said, adding that only a transparent investigation could restore confidence in the association.
‘I Stepped Down Out Of Self-Respect’
Dismissing rumours surrounding her political leanings, Shwetha clarified that she was neither aligned with the BJP nor the Left. She maintained that her decisions were independent and based on principles.
She said her resignation should not be seen as surrender.
“That decision was not out of weakness. It was out of self-respect,” she wrote, before ending her message with the line, “Picture abhi baaki hai, mere dost,” suggesting that more revelations could follow.
Controversies During Her Tenure
Shwetha’s presidency was marked by several controversies from the beginning. During her election campaign, she faced an obscenity case related to films she had acted in over a decade ago. Speaking about it earlier, she had questioned why such allegations surfaced only when she entered the AMMA elections.
In May, AMMA also faced criticism over accepting sponsorship from the Vennala Thykattu Sri Mahadeva Temple Trust for a reunion event. The issue sparked debates over the association’s funding sources. Defending the move, Shwetha had argued that AMMA, being a welfare organisation, should not discriminate against sponsors based on religion or politics.
Mass Resignation Rocks AMMA
Shwetha Menon’s exit came after the entire 17-member executive committee resigned together following growing internal tensions and disagreements. Her departure has once again brought the spotlight on the functioning of AMMA and raised questions about transparency and accountability within one of Malayalam cinema’s most influential bodies.
While Shwetha has stepped away from the leadership, her latest statement suggests that the chapter is far from over.
