Shwetha Menon, Kukku Parameswaran win AMMA top posts

Kochi: In a historic first for the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), actress Shwetha Menon has been elected president, with Kukku Parameswaran taking over as general secretary — marking the first time in the organisation’s history that both top positions will be held by women.

Shwetha secured the post after a closely contested battle against actor-turned-BJP politician Devan, while Kukku won her race against veteran actor Raveendran. Unni Shivapal has been chosen as treasurer, with Jayan Cherthala and Lakshmi Priya named as vice presidents. Ansiba Hassan will serve as joint secretary.

Speaking after her victory, Shwetha expressed joy at the outcome and stressed her aim to unify AMMA. She also emphasised the continued importance of guidance from industry stalwarts Mohanlal, Mammootty, and Suresh Gopi. Devan, gracious in defeat, congratulated her, calling the win well-deserved.

Election day saw a charged atmosphere outside the polling venue, with prominent Malayalam actors arriving to cast their votes — some engaging with the media, others keeping a low profile. Mohanlal, speaking to reporters after voting, affirmed that “nobody has left AMMA” and voiced his confidence in the new committee. Actor Dharmajan Bolgatty described the polls as highly significant, with strong contenders in the fray.
Out of AMMA’s 504 members, 298 participated in the election.