Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) finds it unfair that Mohanlal is being targeted, actor Jagdish said in a statement.
Actor Dileep was arrested in connection with the kidnapping of a popular Malayalam actress in Kochi last year. The actor was in jail for 85 days and is now out on bail. The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) has been shielding Dileep all through - from refusing to remove him from the body till the time he was arrested to reinstating him as soon as he got bail.
AMMA on Monday came out in support of its chief, superstar Mohanlal, who has been slammed by the Women's Collective in Cinema (WCC) over the way a case involving an actress' kidnap case was handled. AMMA finds it unfair that Mohanlal is being targeted, AMMA treasurer and actor Jagdish said in a statement.
"Dileep's case is currently in the court and unless the court gives its final ruling, no one can come to a conclusion if he is guilty or not. AMMA has not come to any conclusion if Dileep is innocent or guilty," he said.
"The decision of the general body, which was against the executive committee's decision to oust Dileep was based on the legal opinion that AMMA got. So it's not right to attack Mohanlal alone," said Jagdish.
At a press conference on October 13, WCC, led by actress Revathy, alleged that AMMA had not supported the victim whereas Dileep had got all the backing.
Others who took part in the conference included Rima Kallingal, Remya Nambisan and Geetu Mohandas, who had earlier quit from AMMA to protest against the way the actress' kidnapping issue was handled by the actors' body.
AMMA Secretary and veteran actor Siddiq told media that the allegations levelled by WCC members were baseless.
"It's unfortunate that Revathy has not taken part in a single general body meeting for the past 24 years. There is no question of taking back the three WCC members (Rima, Remya and Geetu) because it was they who resigned. If they wish to return, they should come to AMMA," said Siddiq.
Seasoned actress KPAC Lalitha, who was with Siddiq, said it was most unfortunate that the actresses were making a "mountain out of a molehill".
"All the issues can be easily resolved as everything can be talked out... Rather than washing dirty linen in public, they should have come and speak their mind in AMMA," said Lalitha.
She said it was sad that Mohanlal was being singled out.
Siddiq also said the next general body meeting of AMMA would be held on June 24, 2019, and if a special general body meeting was to be called, then one-third of the members have to give the request in writing.
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