'AMMA wrong in taking Dileep back without consulting all members,’ says Kamal Haasan

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan said that, as a congregation of artistes, AMMA should have taken everyone’s views before reinstating Dileep.

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Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan said on Friday that there is a need for gender equality in film industries. He was speaking during an interaction with a journalist after his speech the Manorama News Conclave 2018 in Kochi on Friday.

After his session at the conclave, Kamal Haasan was asked about the attack against the woman actor in Malayalam film industry that happened in February last year. He was asked to comment on AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes) reinstating actor Dileep, who is accused of masterminding the abduction and alleged sexual assault of the actor.

Saying that it was not right on the part of AMMA to have taken a decision to reinstate the accused actor without properly discussing it with all members, Kamal Haasan said:

"If you find someone with a background which is been proven legally as wrong, then it (taking him back) is wrong. About forgiving (Dileep), you can do it as a person. But as a whole group, proper discussions need to be held before taking such a decision. They (AMMA) must have a dialogue between the people or groups who are saying that this shouldn't be done. That's my take on this issue. And ultimately, its a congregation of artistes. If everybody does not cooperate, how will it ever function?"

Asked about the gender discrimination in the Malayalam film industry, in the context of formation of Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), Kamal Haasan said that gender equality was necessary not only in the film industry, but also in every sector.

"Not only in cinema, gender equality must be there everywhere. Cinema is after all, a reflection of the society. Compared to other industries, I believe gender discrimination is less in Malayalam film industry. But the people within the industry feel that more needs to be done to improve gender equality. That is what I feel too," he said.