'Don't destroy Malayalam film industry': Mohanlal breaks silence on Hema panel report
Thiruvananthapuram: Malayalam actor Mohanlal made his first public appearance on Saturday just days after stepping down as the President of AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) over sexual abuse charges against some of its members, media reports said.
Breaking his silence on the findings of the Hema Committee Report, which exposed cases of sexual assault against women in the Malayalam film industry, he urged people not to "destroy the industry".
"We request you not to put all the focus on AMMA. Investigation is going on. Please don't destroy the industry," Mohanlal said on Saturday, as reported by ANI.
Veteran actor Mohanlal resigned from AMMA on August 27, citing moral responsibility following sexual abuse allegations against some members of the association's governing body.
"We welcome the Hema Committee report. It was the right decision by the government to release that report. AMMA cannot answer all the questions. These questions should be asked from everyone. This is a very hardworking industry. Many people are involved in it. But everyone cannot be blamed for this. Those responsible will be punished, investigation is going on," Mohanlal was quoted as saying by ANI.
He assured that all the 'problems' are being looked into and probed,
The Hema Committee Report, which details allegations of sexual exploitation and harassment of women in the Malayalam film industry, has sparked widespread outrage. In response, several celebrities have come forward to share their own experiences of harassment and exploitation.
"We will cooperate in the investigation process. We are here only to set things right. I am not aware of any such power group. I am not a part of it. I have not read the Hema Committee report," he stated.
On the resignation of the entire AMMA panel headed by Mohanlal, he said the entire Malayalam film industry is answerable.
A report in Mathrubhumi also quoted the actor saying, “The report has highlighted not just one issue but several. What exactly they are, you know better than I do.”
Not only Mohanlal but the entire governing body of the Malayalam film industry resigned from their positions.
In a statement, the association stated, "We are hopeful that AMMA will have new leadership capable of renewing and strengthening the association. Thanks to everyone for criticizing and correcting."
The association also announced that a general body meeting would be convened within two months to elect a new governing body.
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