Malayalam superstar Dileep has been engulfed in a legal turmoil since last year. The actor was accused of abduction and sexual harassment of an actress. Post this, he was ousted from Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) in July 2017. However, a recent decision to reinstate him in this Mohanlal-led association has left the female members and actresses fumed who quit the association in the protest. While the actresses are taking their own steps to protest, the male actors are totally quiet on the subject and this is what has left South star Kamal Haasan furious.

As Midday reports, the Sadma actor slammed the body and also the males of the industry for keeping mum on the subject and not taking a stand. He said, “I don't know what stops actors from taking part in gender equality issue. I am sure every man is concerned, but at the same time, he is old-fashioned. He needs to wake up and understand that our country was headed by a woman prime minister nearly 40 years ago. She committed some mistakes for which we criticised her. But, we still brought her back. So, as a society, we aren't going to spare anyone [in the wrong] nor are we going to lead an unnecessary witch hunt.”

He further added that his statements might affect his relationship with Mohanlal who is a dear friend of him. However, he will always speak out his views even they are against him, he stated. Saying that Mohanlal was wrong in taking back Dileep, he added, “My opinion may affect [my relation with my peers], but that doesn't concern me."

Four female stars resigned AMMA after it decided to take back the accused star in the organisation. Actresses like Revathy, Parvathy Menon and Padmapriya Janakiraman demanded an emergency meeting on the subject as well. We wonder if the male stars have to say anything on this, at least now!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 19, 2018 09:38 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).