Actress Shwetha Menon has elected as the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). She is the first-ever female president of AMMA.
The result of election was announced almost a year after the resignation of former AMMA president and actor Mohanlal from his position in August 2024.
His departure, along with that of the complete 17-member executive committee, came in the wake of increasing accusations of sexual harassment within the Malayalam film industry, as detailed in the Justice K Hema Committee report.
This report, which was commissioned by the Kerala government, investigated the working conditions for women in Mollywood.
Shwetha Menon Career Journey
- She commenced her career as a model and was a finalist in Miss India 1994, where she earned the title of Miss Congeniality.
- She began her acting journey in Bollywood with films such as Maqsad (1990s), Ishq (1997), and Asoka (2001).
- Eventually, she redirected her focus to Malayalam cinema, where she achieved recognition through films like:
- Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha (2009)
- Salt N’ Pepper (2011)
- Kalimannu (2013) – which documented her real-life pregnancy on screen.
- She is recognized for embracing bold and unconventional roles that defy stereotypes within the Malayalam film industry.
Marriage & Personal Life
- Shwetha Menon was initially wed to Bobby Bhonsle, a model and actor in Bollywood; however, their relationship was short-lived and culminated in divorce.
- In 2011, she entered into marriage with S. Sreevalsan Menon, a journalist. Together, they have a daughter named Sabaina Menon.
- Her actual pregnancy and childbirth were documented as part of the Malayalam film Kalimannu, which ignited significant controversy.
Controversies:
Kalimannu Childbirth Scene (2013):
- The director captured her genuine pregnancy and childbirth for the film.
- This incited significant controversy, prompting politicians and social activists to discuss the ethics of depicting a real delivery on screen.
Molestation Allegation (2013):
- At a public event, she claimed that a politician behaved inappropriately towards her.
- Nevertheless, she subsequently retracted her complaint, resulting in a media frenzy and political discourse.
Bigg Boss Malayalam:
Her forthright nature and views on the reality show elicited both praise and criticism.