Shwetha Menon, the newly appointed president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), has called for the establishment of fixed and structured working hours for women in the film industry. As the first female to hold this position, Menon emphasized the importance of creating a supportive and communicative work environment for women in the industry, drawing from her own personal experiences.
A Call for Reform
Speaking at the India Today South Conclave 2025, Shwetha highlighted a significant issue faced by women in the film industry—many hesitate to speak up about their challenges for fear of losing career opportunities. She shared an example from her own experience, saying, “I did four films while pregnant. I informed my directors that I wasn’t comfortable with early morning shoots, and they understood.”
Menon stressed the need for better communication within the industry, adding, “Most issues can be solved through dialogue, but people often avoid it. Even when I was AMMA’s first female Vice President, I would urge women to share their problems, but none of them would.”
Supporting Women in the Industry
Shwetha explained that many women silently struggle with the challenges they face in the workplace due to a lack of support systems and fear of jeopardizing their careers. “I won’t blame them. Everyone is worried about their careers. But slowly, we will bring these issues to light,” she concluded.
Menon’s comments reflect her commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in the film industry, encouraging dialogue and pushing for necessary changes.
About Shwetha Menon
Shwetha Menon is a prominent figure in Malayalam cinema, known for her versatile performances in films like Paleri Manikyam, Salt N’ Pepper, and Kayam. She began her career as a model and was a Femina Miss India finalist in 1994 before transitioning to acting. Beyond her film career, she has also hosted popular TV shows and emerged victorious in reality series like Bigg Boss Malayalam.
In 2025, Menon made history by becoming the first woman to lead AMMA, further solidifying her influence in the entertainment industry.
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