Text Credits: Shibul Pavithran 

The leading members of Women In Cinema Collective (WCC) namely Revathy, Padma Priya, and Parvathy had a meeting with the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) to discuss the grievances of the female actors against the organisation’s decision to re- admit actor Dileep, who is accused of kidnapping an actress. The meeting took place at Kochi, on Tuesday evening.

Source:  thenewsminute.com

Here is quick recap of what led this meeting to happen, the formation of Women In Cinema Collective (WCC) and how this movement will help in building a better and safer society for women, not just in films but otherwise as well.

Trigger and the Formation  

On  February 17, 2017, a Malayalam actress was abducted and sexually assaulted in her car for more than two hours, during which time the men also reportedly visually recorded the incident. The men who filmed her, threatened to leak the videos if she complained to the cops.

Source: silverscreen.in

The threats didn’t frighten the brave actress, who went ahead and filed a police complaint. This one act of fearlessness is what inspired members of the WCC to come together as a collective that would support the Survivor in her fight to get justice and to speak up for equal opportunity, inclusivity and security for women in a male-dominated industry. On May 18, 2017, around 25 women—comprising actors, directors, scriptwriters, singers and editors—joined hands and gave birth to Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), a first of its kind in India.  They have been conducting conversations on gender-based pay gap in the industry, sexual harassment, sexism on screen and the safety of women who work on the sets of a film.

Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) vs Women in Cinema Collective (WCC)

During this period, in a twisted gesture, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes extended their support to both the victim and Dileep, because they were both a part of AMMA. This reaction, which treated the male suspect and the female victim equally, was a classic example of sexism in the industry and further fumed the issue. And as per the investigation that had taken place, it suggested Dileep as a culprit behind the incident and was arrested. He was jailed for about three months and later was bailed out. During his arrest period his membership was suspended and the Actor’s association AMMA expelled him. And almost after an year on June 18, the same Actors Association reinstated his membership with great flamboyance.
This episode did not go well with the WCC and they protested against the decision with firm resistance. The Survivor resigned from AMMA in protest. The Survivor’s statement read: “I am resigning not just because the accused actor has been taken back into AMMA. Even before, this actor has scuttled many of my acting opportunities. When I complained against this, AMMA had taken no action. Now, when such an unfortunate incident happened in my life, the organisation again tried to protect the accused. I resign from the organisation having understood that there is no purpose in being part of it.”

In complete solidarity with the Survivor, three more members resigned from AMMA, all of them were WCC members. Some of the questions they publicly asked were: “Isn’t there an anomaly in taking back a rape accused to the association even before the investigation is over?” “Isn’t the decision to reinstate Dileep into the association of which the Survivor is still a part of, insulting her?” “Can women expect support from male-dominated associations?”
This gloomy episode exposes the omnipresent sexism present in the Malayalam film industry, which has been hell-bent over backwards to support the male actor while ignoring the victim.

WCC’s Battle is for basic rights!

Source: cinemaexpress.com

In spite of producing some of the country’s most rebellious and progressive literature and films, we still lack equal representation of women in Kerala. Finally, now the significant voices from Malayalam film industry are coming out and revealing about casting couch, male control, pay imbalance, power games being present at large.

As women challenge to take over larger roles in the making of a film, it’s only initiatives like WCC that can drive film industries across India to follow the basic laws and rules that make it possible for women to work: A workplace culture that doesn’t encourage harassment, a safe commute after work, more representation, processes to report sexual harassment and a space where women’s voices are heard and grievances are taken seriously. WCC is a brave and absolutely fabulous initiative which is perfect weapon against the Misogynistic Malayalee Man (or the mindest).

Historically Kerala has been the hotbed for many revolutions, in cinema and out of it. This revolution, based on the spirit of one woman’s courage to against the brutal misogyny, surely has the potential to inspire women in all walks of life, all across the country.  And probably in near future other industries too can take inspiration from WCC and follow the suit. People  intentionally or unintentionally take inspiration from celebrities and film industry, and if the cinema world succeeds in treating women with respect and equality, than half the job is already done.

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Text Credits: Shibul Pavithran   

Mohanlal, who recently took oath as the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), has been facing the fury of  both film personalities and general public, for reinstating Dileep back into the organisation. Addressing to the media in Kochi Today (July 9), he said: “ I believe that AMMA the organisation needs to be changed. A bye-law that was written 25 years ago, that needs to be changed. Women have to be given more prominence in the industry and steps will be taken to help actors who are out of work.”.

Mohanlal apologised for keeping the media out of the general body proceedings that saw Dileep’s comeback into AMMA. “Dileep’s arrest came as a shocker, and AMMA was on the verge of a split,” said Mohanlal.

He stated that Dileep will remain outside the organisation till he his acquitted of all charges against him in the alleged sexual assault and kidnapping of a woman actor in which he is an accused. The complete actor told media persons that Dileep’s issue had been the major agenda for the discussion that was held at the AMMA meeting.

He questioned why those who slam the organisation as ‘patriarchal’ or unjust did not rise to the occasion and mark their protest or even raise any questions when the decision to reinstate actor Dileep had been passed. Mohanlal said that no member of the Women in Cinema Collective had attended the general body meeting, where the issue pertaining to Mr. Dileep’s ouster was included under the agenda for discussion. “However, we are ready to hold talks with WCC on any issue,” he said.

Mohanlal also said, “I also wish that Dileep comes out clear from this case”.

The post “Dileep Will Stay Out Of AMMA Untill Innocence Is Proved”, Says Mohanlal appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text Credits: Sandra James

Taking back actor Dileep into Association of Malayalam Movie Actors (AMMA) has created lot of buzz and debate in the media for the past few days. The decision to take back the Sallaapam actor was made after Monhanlal was appointed as the new president of AMMA. Dileep was accused earlier for his involvement in the kidnap and sexual assault of a well known actress and therefore was expelled from the association.

This decision by AMMA has urged Malaylam actresses and members of the association, Rima Kallingal, Remya Nambeeshan, Geethu Mohandas and the assaulted actress  to resign from the association in solidarity with the victim. The above mentioned actresses are also part of Women In Cinema Collective (WCC), an organisation that works to support and protect women in cinema. Other members of WCC – Parvathy, Manju Warrier, and Padmapriya have refrained from quitting AMMA.

However, WCC has given out a statement regarding the news of taking back Dileep into AMMA

They shared the actress’s statement regarding her decision to quit. In her statement she said:

“I am not resigning because he was taken back into the association. Long ago, I had complained against him on the actor being instrumental in taking away the opportunities coming my way in the industry. Even when such a painful episode happened in my life, the organisation that even I am part of, tried to protect him. I don’t feel it makes sense to continue as part of it.”

WCC added to this post the statements by other members of the association who are quitting the association as well:

“AMMA has been a part of the industry since 1995, it hasn’t done anything to make the work space women-friendly in all these years. AMMA even tried to make fun of the initiatives that we undertake towards that aim through its skit,”

Remya responded regarding the matter, “I was shocked to learn from the media the move to take up the issue which was not even in the general body agenda and then follow it up with a decision to reinstate the actor. The body clearly did not think of its member who was a victim of the attack when the decision was being made.” She also added, “few actors have also decided to quit in solidarity with the victim and this may prompt the association to change their decision”.

The post Malayalam Actresses Quit AMMA After Dileep Is Taken Back appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text Credits: Shibul Pavithran 

Actor Dileep, who was expelled from AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Actors) last year over his alleged involvement actress violation case, will be reappointed as a preliminary member in the association as discussed in the general body meeting of the AMMA on Sunday.

Apparently Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) stayed away from the meeting. It is was established the senior actors and majority of the participants took a stance in favour of Dileep at the meeting. They focused on the action taken by AMMA against Dileep which were reportedly against the procedures and AMMA’s rules. Significantly, the new generation heartthrobs Prithviraj, Tovino and Nivin Pauly were also kept away from the meeting.

According to actor Siddique, the decision to re-appoint Dileep’s membership was taken unanimously, and the discussion lasted only about two minutes. Siddique also said, “Dileep could have approached the court against the association’s action, it was good that he did not do so. If he had moved legally against his removal, the story would have been different. It is Urmila Unni who raised the question on what decision will be made about Dileep, and as we sat around as a crowd, the members opined that he shouldn’t be ousted unless proven guilty. Also, the official procedures to expel Dileep weren’t taken last year though Mammootty had given an official statement on behalf of AMMA. So, he continues to be a member.”

Later, the new general secretary Edavela Babu also spoke in favour of Dileep citing how actor Jagathy Sreekumar was suspended and not expelled from the association when he was charged with an case earlier.

The AMMA meeting also witnessed the current head of the organisation Innocent, who is the Chalakudy MP, making way for Mohanlal as the organisation’s new president.

Howerver, this decision has not gone well with all in the industry. Aashiq Abu expressed his strong disapproval against AMMA’s decision and talked about Thilakan who was expelled till death. He posted a photo of the legendary actor Thilakan along with a note, which can be translated as, “He was not an accused in any criminal case, yet he was expelled from the association by the kingpings of the industry. Will AMMA apologise to Thilakan for expelling him on charges of expressing his opinion?”

Both his movies – Ramaleela and Kammara Sambhavam – were applauded even before they released.  In the very same style he is back in AMMA in just a year’s time with his case still pending in courts. Perhaps some of them owe him for favours that he’s done for them in the times of crises. And perhaps some just can’t believe the man who had won their loyalty and made them laugh hysterically could be anything beyond the charming, overly-polite self he has presented himself as all these years, despite the facts of the case.

The post Dileep Is Back With A Boom And Will Be Reappointed In AMMA appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

The complete actor, Mohanlal will take charge as the new President of AMMA later this month. The decision came out after veteran actor Mammootty decided to withdraw his candidature. The position was occupied by actor Innocent who is also a Member of Parliament. Innocent had been serving as the president of AMMA for eighteen years.

Source: deccanchronicle.com, ibtimes.co.in

The actions and decisions Innocent took with respect to Dileep when he was first accused of conspiring an attack against a female actor is thought to be one major reason for his resignation from the post. The formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) that was founded following the attack on the female actor may also have had triggered the decision.

The general body of AMMA will meet on June 24 to elect the president, vice-presidents, secretary, general secretary, treasurer and other executive committee members. But on the last day of nominations on Friday, there was only one nomination for each of the main posts. Twelve candidates have filed nominations for the 11 posts of executive committee.

Mammootty, who was the General Secretary, had decided to withdraw his candidacy. Edavela Babu got elected as the new General Secretary while comedian and character artist Jagdish becomes the Treasurer.

The post Mohanlal To Become The President Of Malayalam Film Body AMMA appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

The trial in the infamous actress violation case will begin at an Ernakulam district sessions court on 14 March, in which superstar Dileep is one of the 12 accused of the offense. But it took one year for the Judiciary to decide further progressions in the case and finally they have set a date of March 14, 2018, to start with the court proceedings.

Dileep was arrested after two intense rounds of questioning on 10 July 2017, for his alleged role in the conspiracy planned for the abduction of the popular young actress. Dileep’s former wife Manju Warrier is one of the witnesses in the case.

Police sources said the police will soon move a petition for a trial of the case in the court of a woman presiding officer due to the sensitivities involved.

The actress was allegedly abducted on 17 February last year while she was on her way to Kochi from Thrissur.

Image source

Pulsar Suni, the prime accused, drove her around for two hours before she was dropped near the home of director-actor Lal.

There have been countless speculations regarding some kind of enmity between the Dileep and the infamous actress. However, no solid evidence till date has surfaced that guarantees Dileep’s involvement in the planning of the abduction.

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Text by: Susmitha Suresh   Photos:  Various Sources

We’ve heard of celebrities, movie stars and sportsmen turning to business as a second source of income. Sometimes, it’s evident from the name. But sometimes it takes us by surprise and the celebrity themselves might keep away from the place directly! These restaurants serve tasteful servings of sumptuous delicacies. They would’ve been popular on their own, but the added celebrity appeal does give them an extra edge.

How many of these restaurants on the list did you know about?

Tendulkar’s World by Sachin Tendulkar

The theme of the restaurant is as the name goes. Everything from the crockery to the menu has something of The God Of Cricket’s signature!

N Grill by Nagarjuna

Nagarjuna is by far one of the biggest and most popular stars of South India. The place is a modern grill house that serves exquisite and mouth watering dishes. Someplace Else by Bobby Deol

Someplace Else by Bobby Deol

The interiors at this restaurant are beautiful. A classy restaurant that serves authentic Indian and Chinese food.

Lap, The Lounge by Arjun Rampal

A chic discotheque owned by the very charming Arjun Rampal. It’s known for its luxurious interiors and chic ambiance. No wonder it became one of the premium discotheques in Delhi.

The Harbour Market by Mohanlal

Mohanlal opened his first restaurant in Dubai. With plans to open up branches in India, this one had to be added. You should try out their prawn, squid and lobster dishes if you ever do go there.

Special Mention:

Dhe Puttu By Dileep in Cochin

Dhe Puttu near Oberon Mall, Kochi serves delicious varieties of Puttu named after the many films stared by Dileep. The puttu as such is yummilicious, but you should definitely try the ‘cherupayar kari’ along with it if you go there.

The post Five Celebrity Owned Food Joints You Probably Didn’t Know About appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Words by FWD Media    Photographs by Toonus

FWD Life Style Awards 2016 was the premium red carpet event of Kerala bringing together the stylish Mollywood insiders and the style makers of Bollywood. The event doubled as the cultural evening for India Fashion Summit 2016 that had fashion pioneers of national recognition in attendance. FWD Life Style awards were meant to identify trendsetters and stylemakers in the field of business, fashion, acting, music and lot more.

Of all good things

The FWD Life Style Awards started off by awarding popular actor Dileep as the FWD Icon of the year. This was followed by a fusion performance by Kerala Tourism department incorporating elements of Kathakali and Kalari. Leading designers Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Shantanu & Nikhil, Beena Kannnan and Sreejith Jeevan, Fashion Retail Heads such as Narendra Kumar (Creative Head, Amazon), Gautam Kotamraju (Creative Head of Private Brands, Amazon) Pernia Qureshi (Founder of Pernia’s Pop Up Shop), Jaspreeth Chandok (Vice President and Head of Fashion, IMG Reliance), Fashion stylist and consultant Prasad Bidapa , fashion journalists Neena Haridas (Editor, L’Officiel) and Vinod Nair (Former Fashion Editor,Hindustan Times and Times Of India) who were speakers at India Fashion Summit 2016 were honored with a traditional kerala “ponnada” and a token of honour by Mr. U.V.Jose IAS Director of Kerala Tourism.

Best of all worlds

The lifestyle award categories included Stylish Actor, Stylish Actress, Stylish Makeover, Stylish VJ, Stylish Singer, FWD Stylish Cover of the Year, Celebrity Entrepreneur Male, and FWD Icon of the Year. The awards honored the stylish celebrities to grace the pages of FWD Life magazine. The awards were won by Unni Mukundan for Stylish Actor, Isha Talwar as Stylish Actress, Tovino Thomas as Stylish Makeover, Vinay Forrt as Stylish VJ, and Vijay Yesudas as Stylish Singer.

In addition to these categories selected through public voting, three additional categories were selected by the FWD Media House Senior Editorial Board. These awards- namely FWD Icon of the year, FWD Celebrity Entrepreneur and FWD Life Popular Cover of the Year were presented for their exemplary excellence in their respective category. Popular actor Dileep won the award for FWD Icon Of the year for his continuing popularity and capability to don many hats. Sunil Kumar V, MD of Asset Homes won the award for Celebrity Entrepreneur for his persevernce in the field of entrepreneurship. Finally, Sijoy Varghese won the award for the FWD Life Popular Cover of the Year award with respect to the mass social media response to his FWD Life Cover.

Night of music, style and fashion The event also included enthralling musical performances by Violinist Shabareesh Prabhakar as well as a musical treat by singer Sujith Suresh. The eventful night also saw the Max Fashion Show that showcased their Autumn/Winter 2016 collection. The launch of the FWD Life September Issue Cover featuring Unni Mukundan and Vinay Fort as well the unveiling of the poster for the movie Avarude Ravukal featuring Unni Mukundan, Vinay Fort and Asif Ali and directed by Shanil Mohammed was also a part of the night of music, talent and fashion.

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Superstar and MP Suresh Gopi presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to the highly revered music legend M.K.Arjunan fondly called as ‘Arjunan Master’ ‘Red FM Malayalam Music Awards’ event initiated to honour artistic excellence in the Mollywood Music industry attracted the who’s who of the Malayalam music fraternity with big names like Gopi Sundar , Vani Jayaram , Ramesh Narayan , Rajesh Murugesan , Vijay Yesudas amongst others attending the show or even performing in it . Awards and cash prizes were given under ten different music categories.

This high octane entertainment evening witnessed some power packed dance performances by Neerav Bavleja and actresses Isha Talwar, Sshivada, Natasha and Sarayu. Music magician Stephen Devassy combined with Karunamoorthy, Giridhar Udupa, Thiruvizha Jayasankar, FranscisXavier, Arun Kumar , etc to produce some mesmerising music to keep the audiencefully engaged. Top music composer Gopi Sundar created a special eight song medley of his superhits along with reputed singers like Maqbool , Divya Menon and Sachin Warrier dedicating it to Red FM’s powerful on air music property ‘Ettu Koottam Paaattu’ and later came back again to sing ‘Sundari Penne’ with upcoming Superstar Dulquer Salmaan.

Speaking at the ceremony Red FM Chief Operating Officer B. Surendar said, “We take immense pride in organising this grand gala music awards show in Kerala. Being the largest radio player in the South, it’s our responsibility to award and honour the best talent in the Malayalam Music industry and showcase it to the rest of the world. Music is an art form that speaks directly to the heart, it has the special power to transcend the barriers of time and boundary and we take great pride in amplifying its reach to every heart that loves music in Kerala “.

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