Actor Thilakan suspended from Malayalam film forum

Thiruvananthapuram, March 1: Veteran Malayalam actor Thilakan was Monday suspended from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) for "indiscipline" after his tirade against the association and other senior actors.

Addressing reporters, AMMA president Innocent said they had given Thilakan "a long rope" but he continued to criticise the AMMA and "hence we have no other option but to take this step".

"We have only decided to suspend him. He has been given time till March 8 to appear in person and give his explanation. Today he gave us a letter stating that he is busy working in an English film at Alappuzha and hence cannot appear," said Innocent.

"He has been up against AMMA and has been airing sound bytes on television which has upset not only us but also other members of AMMA," he said.

"His frequent outbursts for no reason is in bad taste. He could have easily called us and asked us to intervene if he had any issues in working in any film. But we are not aware of any ban on him," added Innocent.

The other members of the disciplinary committee, which handed out suspension to Thilakan, include secretary of AMMA Edavela Babu, senior artistes Janardhanan, Kunjan and T.P. Madhavan.

For the past month, Thilakan, 73, has been locked in a wrangle with various film workers' organisations, including the AMMA, for his utterances against some superstars and select directors.

Last month he was issued a show-cause notice by the AMMA. In his reply, he said he has done no wrong and refused to apologise.

Innocent said they are all pained by the events and the issue can be sorted out if Thilakan appears before the committee.

"He has to appear before the committee and interact with us. If he does that, the chances are high that the present impasse can be resolved," added Innocent.

Thilakan, told about his suspension, said he is yet to decide the future course of action and declined to say whether he would appear before the AMMA committee March 8.