The long term President of Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), Innocent, is voted again to serve his post for one more year. Innocent who is currently the Member of Parliament (MP) from Chalakudy constituency in Kerala had made a resignation request at the general body meeting of AMMA held at Kochi, pointing out his busy schedule as a MP. But his request was turned down by the association and asked him to complete his tenure till 2015.
Innocent is known for his humorous gestures and sharp dialogue deliveries in his typical Thrissur accent which made him a phenomenon in Malayalam film industry. His comic timing is considered as something that is unmatchable by anyone else.
Innocent made his entry into films in 1972 with the film "Nrityashala" and went on to act in more than 500 films. He became a permanent ingredient in the films made by Sathyan Anthikad, Priyadarsan, Fazil and Kamal. His performances in films like "Ramji Rao Speaking", "Mannar Mathai Speaking", "Kilukkam", "God Father", "Vietnam Colony", "Nadodikattu", "Pon Muttayidunna Tharavu", "Manichithrathazhu", "Mithunam", "Mazhavil Kaavadi" and "Manasinakkare" made him one of the best actors of Malayalam films. He had also won Kerala State Film Award in 1989 for second Best actor for the film "Mazhavil Kavadi."
The 69-year-old actor was diagnosed with an early stage of throat cancer but later recovered from it. He then contested the 16th Lok Sabha election as an Independent candidate supported by LDF from the Chalakudy constituency in Kerala and defeated Congress candidate P.C. Chacko.
Innocent, Mohanlal and Edavela Babu will now lead one more year as the President, General Secretary and Secretary of the organization. The trio has been leading AMMA effectively for the past 14 years. The general body meeting of AMMA held on 29 June also decided to double the membership fee to ₹1.01 lakh. This move is to make sure that only genuine artistes are part of the organization. This move from the organization is to make sure that they meet the insurance cost for its members and financial support to poor artistes.
From this year onwards, AMMA will be helping the family of deceased actors. The program will start by helping the family of actor Cochin Haneefa, who was known for his humour roles. He died in 2010, when he was aged 58, from multiple organ failure. The organization has decided to take care the expenses of his children up to their college education.
