In a development that has sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry, actor Siddique has resigned from his position as the general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA). The resignation follows serious allegations of sexual assault brought forward by actress Revathy Sampath. Siddique confirmed his decision to step down to The Hindu, citing the appropriateness of resigning amidst such grave accusations.
In an exclusive statement to The Hindu, Siddique expressed his rationale behind the resignation: “I submitted the resignation voluntarily since it is inappropriate to continue in that position when I am facing such an allegation. No one demanded my resignation. Let the truth come out.” He also highlighted that he plans to respond to the allegations in detail but only after consulting with legal advisors.
The allegations against Siddique were made public when Revathy Sampath, an actress, spoke to the media on Saturday evening. She accused Siddique of sexually assaulting her under the guise of a movie audition in Thiruvananthapuram. According to Sampath, Siddique reached out to her via a social media platform and offered her a role in a Tamil movie that would also feature his son. Trusting his intentions, as he often referred to her endearingly as his daughter, she traveled to Thiruvananthapuram to further discuss the offer.
However, Sampath alleges that upon her arrival in Thiruvananthapuram, the true nature of Siddique’s intentions became clear. She claims that the promised movie turned out to be non-existent, and during a meeting in a hotel room, Siddique sexually assaulted her for an hour, hitting and kicking her when she resisted. “He is a criminal. Some of my friends too had similar experiences from him. I had to give up my dreams and go through a lot of mental health issues. This should happen to no one again,” Sampath stated emotionally.
Siddique’s resignation from AMMA comes just two days after he provided the first official response from the organization regarding the findings of the Hema committee report.
. This report had highlighted the issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. In his statement, Siddique had assured that AMMA would not support anyone found guilty of wrongdoing against women. He emphasized that the organization had not received any complaints regarding a casting couch and that opportunities were not denied to women in the industry. “None can be sidelined in cinema merely for lodging a complaint. Casting is done based on the actor best fit for a role,” he stated.
However, the allegations and subsequent resignation have cast a shadow over these assurances, raising questions about the true stance of the organization on these critical issues. The Hema committee report had already highlighted a number of systemic issues facing women in the industry, and the resignation of a prominent figure like Siddique adds another layer to the unfolding narrative of gender and power dynamics in Malayalam cinema.
As the situation develops, the industry’s response to these allegations will be closely observed. The public and industry insiders alike are awaiting further details and the results of any legal proceedings that may follow. Siddique’s claims of innocence and his decision to step down voluntarily are noted, but the gravity of the allegations cannot be understated.
Revathy Sampath’s decision to speak out is part of a broader movement where women in various industries are coming forward to share their experiences of harassment and assault. The #MeToo movement, which gained global attention a few years ago, has evidently reached the Malayalam film industry, prompting discussions and actions that were, until recently, unthinkable.
For now, Siddique’s future remains uncertain as he prepares to address the allegations in a legal setting. AMMA, on the other hand, will need to navigate this scandal while maintaining its commitments to support women in the industry. The case of Siddique and Revathy Sampath serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and justice in the entertainment world.
In conclusion, this issue not only puts a spotlight on Siddique and the allegations against him but also amplifies the ongoing struggles for gender equality and safe working environments within the film industry. The coming weeks and months will reveal not only the personal fates of those involved but also the broader societal and cultural impact of this case.
