Sandalwood celebs urge AMMA not to reinstate Dileep

Sandalwood stars have urged the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) to withdraw their reinstatement of actor Dileep, accused in the case of abducting and sexually molesting a Malayalam actor.

Under the banner of Kannada Film Industry (KFI) and Film Industry for Rights and Equality (FIRE), a group of 50 actors in the state sent a signed petition to AMMA general secretary in Thiruvananthapuram, Edavela Babu, not to allow the actor back into the organisation until he is cleared of all the charges.

Kannada film personalities Rakshit Shetty, Shraddha Srinath, Diganth, Aindrita Ray, Prakash Rai, Kavitha Lankesh and Chethan have registered their dissent against the move.

AMMA recently reinstated Dileep, who was expelled in 2017 after he was charged with allegations of abduction and sexual assault and booked under 17 different sections of the IPC.

Acknowledging the letter, actor Sruthi Hariharan told DH that she stands by every word written. “We are not questioning the innocence of the person. We are only questioning the decision made by AMMA, which is morally incorrect. All artists are entitled to a safe and healthy working environment in the industry.”

Director Kavitha Lankesh said they are only showing unity and respect to the actor who was sexually assaulted.

Actor Remya Nambeesan, who stepped out of AMMA as her sign of protest, said that it was her personal decision. “Neither the letter nor I are attacking anyone personally. It is the basic
responsibility of the organisation to ensure the accused are censured. I am glad that the Kannada film industry has lent support.”

Expressing discontent with AMMA’s decision, acclaimed sandalwood director Giriraj B M said: “AMMA’s reinstatement is inappropriate because the accused is yet to be acquitted of all wrongdoing. It is against the authority of the court. Nobody can undermine the judiciary and the authority of the court.”

Actor Chetan said: “Issues of women’s safety are at the forefront of the national debate. Our cinema industry has a responsibility to set a high standard for the rest of the society. We ask AMMA to respect the victim and take necessary steps against the accused.”