Amidst allegations against Jani Master, who has been arrested now, an industry source claims that the Telugu Movie Artists Association (MAA) has a robust ‘Women Protection Cell’ to safeguard and protect female actors against any misconduct and misbehavior. "This cell was formed immediately after Vishnu Manchu took over as president and it has capable members who are willing to protect woman members if they receive any complaint,” says a source. “Along with 5 office bearers, 18 executive members, and four-woman members besides 20-odd members from various walks of life comprise of Women Protection Cell. The members are willing to help any member without any bias or hesitation. All the woman members have been given phone and email IDs of the cell for prompt complaint and action,” he adds.
On actress Poonam Kaur alleging that MAA didn’t act on her complaint against Trivikram Srinivas, he says, “She could lodge a fresh complaint, if necessary since the actors guild doesn’t have a complaint pending with it. She would have complained a few years ago and they don't know the contents of the alleged complaint. It has to be renewed for immediate action,” he adds. Reacting to the executive committee of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) being dissolved amid growing allegations of sexual assault and misbehavior raised by women against its members. “AMMA in Kerala is going through tough times,” he cuts short.
MAA has also urged Bollywood and Kollywood actors who are working in Telugu movies to take membership and safeguard their interests. “Actors like Satyaraj, Radhika, and Samuthrakani have enrolled themselves in MAA, while there are another 30-odd actors from the Hindi and Tamil film industry who working in Telugu movies. They have sent letters to non-Telugu actors to enroll themselves by paying a Rs 1 lakh membership fee which is minimal. MAA is also in talks with Tamil, Hindi, and Karnataka actors associations for a ‘unified’ card. Under which, a member enrolled in Movie Artistes Association can work in other language movies without any fuss,” he concludes.
