In a huge development in Malayalam cinema, actor Dileep has submitted resignation as a member of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Mohanlal, who is the president of AMMA, has confirmed this news to the media. Dileep has been accused of masterminding the sexual assault of a Malayalam actress in 2016. Though he was suspended from AMMA after the police arrested him last year, there were talks that he would be reinstated back in the body when he was granted bail. However, four actresses, including the survivor, resigned from the body in protest, while the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) body in AMMA held protests over the decision.

Addressing the media, Mohanlal claimed that it was he who demanded Dileep's resignation. He said, "Following the WCC meeting, we were about to demand Dileep's resignation. However, Kerala witnessed one of the worst calamities in its history, the floods, which delayed the proceedings. However, I personally demanded his resignation as the AMMA president. The available members of the Executive Committee have approved it and now it is official- AMMA has ousted Dileep." He also stated that AMMA has not stopped the four actresses who resigned from joining back but they themselves should come forward and state their intention to do so.

Also speaking about the sexual harassment charges against actors Alencier and Mukesh raised during the ongoing #MeToo movement, Mohanlal added that he will seek an explanation from Alencier in the next meeting. He said, "The next Executive Committee will discuss the issue. Divya is yet to submit her complaint to AMMA. Even though she is not a member of AMMA, we will accept her complaint if she files it. In actor Mukesh's case, more clarity is needed. That is why we are yet to take an action."

As for fellow actor Siddique's comments on WCC, Mohanlal says the former's comments are made on a personal capacity and they do not reflect AMMA's stand.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 19, 2018 08:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).