Actor Shwetha Menon describes herself as a strong and opinionated person, who isn’t anyone’s mouthpiece. As the first-ever female president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), she has huge responsibility amid the damning Hema Committee report that rocked Malayalam cinema.
On Day 2 of India Today Conclave South 2025, Shwetha Menon headlined a session titled, The Changemaker: Safe spaces and gender parity in cinema.
The actor spoke about many pressing issues, including the Hema Committee report, her responsibilities as AMMA president, pay parity, plan of action and fixed working hours, among others.
On AMMA leadership and industry challenges
At the India Today South Conclave 2025 held in Coimbatore on September 9, Shwetha Menon, the newly elected president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), discussed her leadership role and the challenges facing the film industry. She highlighted the transformative impact of the Hema Committee report, stating, “It’s too soon to say what’s going to be happening in my leadership. It [the report] was an eye-opener, and opened up many closets.” Menon commended the women who shared their experiences and appreciated the committee for exposing systemic issues.
Menon expressed gratitude for the support from industry stalwarts such as Mohanlal and Mammootty. “Yesterday, we had a film chamber meeting and that’s when I was told that Mohanlal sir said that he’d support the new committee. That’s a big blessing. To have patrons like Mohanlal, Mammootty and Suresh Gopi with us, what more do we need ?,” she shared.
Making decisions in a male-dominated industry
Reflecting on her personal strength, Menon stated, “If you have known me for 34 years, you know I am a strong and opinionated person.I have not been a mouthpiece of anyone. I have my own personality and that’s my strength. The responsibility [of being AMMA president] is huge, but allow us to breathe in.”
Personal and professional trials
Menon also addressed the impact of a legal case filed against her for allegedly doing obscene films ahead of the AMMA election. She said, “More the enemies, the more I excel. The case was shattering as a person. The films, which were mentioned, fetched me a state award. No one has ever been exposed to such a case. I was confused if I should back out of the election and fight the case. It’s my family’s support that made me go ahead. Then I became a fiery tigress.”
On improvements in industry standards
The actress highlighted improvements in working conditions, such as the introduction of make-up vans, which were previously unavailable. “When the Hema Committee report came, they spoke to a few people who mentioned the lack of changing rooms,” she noted, stressing the ongoing efforts to improve industry standards.
“We have come a long way now. It’s also an individualistic fight we have to do. Today, a make-up van is provided in an industry which works on modest budgets. We’re working on it, and you won’t be getting any of these complaints under my leadership,” she added.
On fixed working hours
Discussing the topic of women and new mothers having fixed working hours, she shared her experience of working during pregnancy, stating, “When I was pregnant, I did four movies. I did have fixed hours and I spoke to directors about it.” Menon stressed the importance of open communication to address workplace issues effectively.
“It’s a matter of communication. When people don’t do it, problems arise. I used to urge people to come and open up about their problems, but nobody does. But, I understand not all people have the background to voice their concerns. I won’t push them,” she explained.
Focus on content and future projects
Menon reiterated her belief in content-driven cinema, asserting, “I have always believed that content works. I have done many of these female-oriented films. A movie is not about a man or a woman. But, to get the content is important. ‘Lokah’, Malayalam cinema’s first female superhero film, is the talking point now. It’s exciting ”
On ‘Salt and Pepper’ and her promising career
Shwetha Menon recalled the appreciation she received for ‘Salt and Pepper’: “Every 5 to 10 years, cinema keeps changing. Content matters. When we did ‘Salt and Pepper’, we never thought of it as a path-breaking new era. I am very happy. I am waiting for another miracle to happen for myself. I am glad that ‘Lokah’ is a film that has broken the barrier. But, we have to remember that it is backed by a man. So we need a man to back us up to be able to give more such gems”.
When asked about where the “actor” in Shwetha disappeared all these years, she said, “I am waiting for some good scripts to happen. The moment you get married, or you become a mother, the outlook changes. But, I believe something is waiting for me.”
Menon also remarked that there is a change in attitude in the people of Kerala. “I can see a change in Kerala and I think I walked in earlier. I was genuinely lucky and that I could do what I did a decade before. I am waiting for what’s next in my career.” She started her career in Malayalam and went to Bollywood before coming back to Bollywood again.
Miss India days and being Aishwarya Rai’s roommate
Shwetha Menon was also a participant in Femina Miss India 1994 pageant, which also saw Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen competing. Recalling the Miss India days, she said, “I was a roommate of Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen won it. I went to Miss India Asia Pacific, but managed to get third runner-up without any backing or monetary backing. The excitement that we had, I can see it in everyone now and in my daughter too. Today, I think everyone is a model.”
Looking ahead
As Shwetha Menon looks ahead, she wants to be everywhere. “I was never stuck to one medium. I was in movies, reality shows, television and many other things. I love to keep experimenting and want to explore new avenues as possible going ahead,” she stated.